How far is Cresco, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Cresco, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 195.9 miles (315.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 148.9 miles (239.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 25m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 12m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Human settlement in Franklin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cresco and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cresco and West Des Moines.
-
1
Start on 8th Avenue East
1678 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue East
-
2
Turn left onto 3rd Street West
3257 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street West
-
3
Continue on 3rd Street Southwest
774 ft · 20 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
-
4
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
-
5
Continue on State Highway 9
20.6 mi · 28 min · State Highway 9
-
6
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · East Main Street
-
7
Continue on Highway 9
1.2 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
-
8
Continue on State Highway 9
12.3 mi · 17 min · State Highway 9
-
9
Turn left
11.2 mi · 16 min
-
10
Take the ramp left toward US 18 east, IA 27 north: Mason City
1560 ft · 43 sec
-
11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
30.8 mi · 36 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
12
Take the exit slight left toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
-
13
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
-
14
Merge slight left
102.7 mi · 1 hr 51 min
-
15
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
-
16
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
17
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
-
18
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
-
19
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
-
20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cresco and West Des Moines.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
103 mi · 01h 51m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Cresco and 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 Cresco to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 195.9 miles (315.3 km) and usually takes 03h 12m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Latimer is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.7 miles from Cresco and 98.3 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 148.9 miles (239.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 47 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:34 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.06 one way or $52.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Cresco and Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cresco and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 148.87 mi (239.58 km).
#1 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| 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: 315 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.06 | $52.12 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.39 | $58.78 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.16 | $64.32 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.65 | $73.30 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.