How far is Hamburg, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Hamburg, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 171.6 miles (276.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 121.6 miles (195.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 19m 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 39m.
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 Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Hamburg and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hamburg and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on Main Street
1725 ft · 51 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn right onto North Street
1198 ft · 28 sec · North Street
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3
Continue on State Highway 333
3276 ft · 56 sec · State Highway 333
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4
Take the ramp right
1884 ft · 46 sec
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5
Merge slight left
46.4 mi · 50 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East: Des Moines
1.1 km · 46 sec
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7
Continue straight
118.2 mi · 2 hr 7 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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11
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 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 Hamburg 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 East
Continue straight
118 mi · 02h 07m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Hamburg 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 Hamburg to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 171.6 miles (276.2 km) and usually takes 02h 39m 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?
Avoca is a useful midpoint, sitting about 85.7 miles from Hamburg and 85.9 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 121.6 miles (195.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 50 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 1:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.81 one way or $45.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Hamburg and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Avoca
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 Avoca.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Hamburg and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 121.61 mi (195.72 km).
#1 Hamburg
City in Fremont County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,041 |
| Coordinates | 40.6044500, -95.6577700 |
| Altitude | 280 |
| 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: 276 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.81 | $45.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.73 | $51.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.16 | $56.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.09 | $64.18 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.