How far is Fairfax, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
Fastest route
The distance between Fairfax, Iowa 52228, and West Des Moines, Iowa, is approximately 126 miles (203 kilometers). The fastest route is via I-80 W, and the estimated travel time is around 2 hours.
Directions
- 🚗 Head south on Vanderbilt St toward Main St.
- ➡️ Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto Church St.
- ⬅️ Turn left onto US-151 S/Hiawatha Pioneer Trl/Williams Blvd.
- ➡️ Continue to follow US-151 S/Hiawatha Pioneer Trl.
- ➡️ Turn right to merge onto I-80 W.
- 🛣️ Follow I-80 W to Mills Civic Pkwy in West Des Moines.
- 🚧 Take exit 70 from I-35 S.
- ⬅️ Keep left at the fork to continue on I-35 S.
- ➡️ Use the 2nd from the right lane to take exit 70 for Mills Civic Parkway.
- ⬅️ Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-35.
- 🛣️ Continue on Mills Civic Pkwy to your destination.
- ⬅️ Use any lane to turn slightly left onto Mills Civic Pkwy.
- ➡️ Turn right at Waterford Dr.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🛣️ Plan your route ahead of time and check for any traffic updates to ensure a smooth journey.
- ⛽ It's a long drive, so make sure to have enough fuel in your vehicle before starting the trip.
- 🚗 Take breaks during the journey to stretch your legs and stay refreshed.
- 🍔 Consider stopping at interesting places along the way for a meal or sightseeing.
- 📱 Keep your phone charged and have a car charger handy in case you need to use navigation apps or make calls during the trip.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to travel from Fairfax to West Des Moines? A: The estimated travel time is approximately 2 hours.
Q: What is the distance between Fairfax and West Des Moines? A: The distance is about 126 miles (203 kilometers).
Q: Which route should I take to reach West Des Moines from Fairfax? A: The fastest route is via I-80 W.
Q: Are there any notable landmarks or attractions to visit on the way? A: There might be several interesting places along the route where you can stop for sightseeing or a meal. Consider checking the route beforehand to plan your stops.
Q: Is there a possibility of heavy traffic on the way? A: Traffic conditions can vary, so it's a good idea to check for live traffic updates before starting your journey. This way, you can choose the best time to travel and avoid potential delays.
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 00m.
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
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fairfax and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfax and West Des Moines.
-
1
Start on Vanderbilt Street
135 m · 22 sec · Vanderbilt Street
-
2
Turn right onto Church Street
765 ft · 39 sec · Church Street
-
3
Turn left onto Williams Boulevard
1455 ft · 28 sec · Williams Boulevard
-
4
Continue on Amana Road Southwest
3.4 mi · 5 min · Amana Road Southwest
-
5
Continue on Co Trunk Rd E68
2273 ft · 43 sec · Co Trunk Rd E68
-
6
Continue on 1st Avenue
738 ft · 13 sec · 1st Avenue
-
7
Continue on 79th Street
2.4 mi · 3 min · 79th Street
-
8
Continue on W Avenue
9 mi · 13 min · W Avenue
-
9
Turn left onto U Avenue
5.5 mi · 8 min · U Avenue
-
10
Take the ramp right
2022 ft · 49 sec
-
11
Merge slight left
86.6 mi · 1 hr 33 min
-
12
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
-
13
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
-
15
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
-
16
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairfax 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.
U Avenue
Merge slight left
86.6 mi · 01h 33m
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 leaving Fairfax 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 Fairfax to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 120.7 miles (194.2 km) and usually takes 02h 00m 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?
Grinnell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60 miles from Fairfax and 60.7 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 102.3 miles (164.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.4 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 2:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.06 one way or $32.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Fairfax and Chance Rain Showers near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Grinnell
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 Grinnell.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fairfax and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 102.27 mi (164.59 km).
#1 Fairfax
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,934 |
| Coordinates | 41.9194500, -91.7810100 |
| Altitude | 236 |
| 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: 194 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.06 | $32.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.12 | $36.24 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.83 | $39.65 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.60 | $45.19 |
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.