How far is Buffalo (historical), IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Buffalo (historical), IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 31.9 miles (51.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 23.8 miles (38.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 17m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 38m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Buffalo (historical) and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buffalo (historical) and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on Maple Lane
59 m · 15 sec · Maple Lane
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2
Turn left onto St Charles Road
105 m · 12 sec · St Charles Road
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3
Turn right onto Clark Tower Road
1.5 mi · 2 min · Clark Tower Road
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4
Continue on South John Wayne Drive
3.5 mi · 7 min · South John Wayne Drive
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5
Continue straight
11.2 mi · 16 min
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6
Take the ramp right
2023 ft · 49 sec
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7
Merge slight left
12.1 mi · 13 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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11
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 sec · Vine Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Buffalo (historical) and West Des Moines.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
South John Wayne Drive
Merge slight left
12.1 mi · 00h 13m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Buffalo (historical) and Mostly Sunny near West Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Buffalo (historical) to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 31.9 miles (51.3 km) and usually takes 00h 38m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
De Soto is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.8 miles from Buffalo (historical) and 15 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 23.8 miles (38.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.1 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:12 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.35 one way or $8.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Buffalo (historical) and Mostly Sunny near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near De Soto
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to De Soto.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Buffalo (historical) and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 23.82 mi (38.33 km).
#1 Buffalo (historical)
Buffalo (historical) is a place in Iowa, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.3111000, -94.0035600 |
| Altitude | 283 |
| Country | United States |
#2 West Des Moines
The most populous city in Dallas County, Iowa.
| Population | 69,057 |
| Coordinates | 41.5772100, -93.7113300 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
End: Vine Street (-93.71133, 41.577301)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 51 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.85 | $4.35 | $8.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.18 | $4.72 | $9.44 |
| Premium | $4.74 | $5.36 | $10.71 |
| Diesel | $5.90 | $6.67 | $13.33 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
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