How far is Ely, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Ely, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 131.7 miles (212 km), with a travel time of about 02h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 111.5 miles (179.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 17m 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 02h 08m.
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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ely and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ely and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on Dows Street
642 ft · 22 sec · Dows Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto State Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Street
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3
Continue on Ely Road
1689 ft · 36 sec · Ely Road
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4
Turn left onto Wright Brothers Boulevard
3.8 mi · 7 min · Wright Brothers Boulevard
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5
Turn left
1908 ft · 49 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
12.9 mi · 14 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left
100.5 mi · 1 hr 48 min
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10
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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11
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
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13
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
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14
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ely 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 80 West
Merge slight left
100 mi · 01h 48m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Ely and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then 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 Ely to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 131.7 miles (212 km) and usually takes 02h 08m 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?
Malcom is a useful midpoint, sitting about 65.7 miles from Ely and 66 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 111.5 miles (179.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.2 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 2:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.54 one way or $35.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Ely and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Malcom
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 Malcom.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ely and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 111.54 mi (179.5 km).
#1 Ely
City in Linn County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,382 |
| Coordinates | 41.8736200, -91.5851800 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| 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: 212 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.54 | $35.07 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.78 | $39.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.64 | $43.28 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.66 | $49.33 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.