How far is Clear Lake, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Clear Lake, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 120 miles (193.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 109.2 miles (175.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 46m 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 53m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clear Lake and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clear Lake and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on North 6th Street
24 m · 6 sec · North 6th Street
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2
Turn right onto 1st Avenue North
57 m · 10 sec · 1st Avenue North
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3
Turn right onto North 8th Street
1671 ft · 34 sec · North 8th Street
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4
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.1 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
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5
Take the ramp right toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des Moines
1796 ft · 44 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
105.3 mi · 1 hr 54 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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8
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
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10
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
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11
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 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 Clear Lake 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.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
105 mi · 01h 54m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Clear Lake and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Clear Lake to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 120 miles (193.1 km) and usually takes 01h 53m 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?
Ellsworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.6 miles from Clear Lake and 60.3 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 109.2 miles (175.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.8 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 2:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.95 one way or $31.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Clear Lake and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clear Lake and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 109.16 mi (175.68 km).
#1 Clear Lake
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 7,517 |
| Coordinates | 43.1380200, -93.3793700 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| 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: 193 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.95 | $31.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.99 | $35.98 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.69 | $39.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.44 | $44.87 |
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 · May 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.