How far is Garner, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Garner, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 117.9 miles (189.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.5 miles (169.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 58m 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 59m.
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Garner and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Garner and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on East 3rd Street
21 m · 6 sec · East 3rd Street
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2
Turn right onto State Street
1270 ft · 42 sec · State Street
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3
Turn left
1 km · 1 min
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4
Turn left onto Sage Avenue
26.7 mi · 37 min · Sage Avenue
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5
Turn left
15 mi · 21 min
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6
Turn left onto 190th Street
3.4 mi · 6 min · 190th Street
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7
Take the ramp right toward Somerset Road
2433 ft · 59 sec
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8
Merge slight left
59 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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10
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
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12
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
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13
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · 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 Garner 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.
Somerset Road
Merge slight left
59 mi · 01h 04m
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 Garner and 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 Garner to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 117.9 miles (189.7 km) and usually takes 01h 59m 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 58.8 miles from Garner and 59 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.5 miles (169.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.4 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 2:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.69 one way or $31.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Garner and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Garner and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 105.53 mi (169.84 km).
#1 Garner
Town in Hancock County, Iowa
| Population | 3,031 |
| Coordinates | 43.1024600, -93.6018800 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| 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: 190 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.69 | $31.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.69 | $35.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.36 | $38.72 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.06 | $44.13 |
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.