How far is Centerville, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Centerville, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 90.6 miles (145.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 72.7 miles (117 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 28m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 01h 44m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in and seat of Marion County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Centerville and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Centerville and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on North 13th Street
50 m · 8 sec · North 13th Street
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2
Continue on North 13th Street
88 m · 22 sec · North 13th Street
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3
Turn right onto East State Street
1513 ft · 1 min · East State Street
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4
Turn left onto North 18th Street
20.7 mi · 31 min · North 18th Street
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5
Continue on South Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · South Main Street
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6
Keep slight left
25 mi · 37 min
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7
Take the ramp left
10.9 mi · 12 min
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8
Turn right
575 ft · 7 sec
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9
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 23 min · State Highway 5
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10
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
7.5 mi · 9 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: Norwalk, Martensdale
3174 ft · 1 min
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12
Turn right
4.7 mi · 7 min
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13
Turn left onto Vine Street
2187 ft · 1 min · Vine Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Centerville and West Des Moines.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
South Main Street
Keep slight left
25 mi · 00h 37m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Centerville and Chance Rain Showers near West Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Centerville to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 90.6 miles (145.8 km) and usually takes 01h 44m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Knoxville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45.2 miles from Centerville and 45.4 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 72.7 miles (117 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.07 one way or $24.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Centerville and Chance Rain Showers near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Knoxville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Knoxville.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Centerville and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 72.73 mi (117.05 km).
#1 Centerville
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,414 |
| Coordinates | 40.7341800, -92.8740900 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| 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: 146 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.07 | $24.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.61 | $27.22 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.89 | $29.79 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.97 | $33.95 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.