How far is Indiana, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Indiana, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 51.3 miles (82.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 43.9 miles (70.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 52m 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 00h 56m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Indiana and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Indiana and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on County Highway G76
1.9 mi · 3 min · County Highway G76
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2
Continue on County Highway G76
959 ft · 26 sec · County Highway G76
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3
Turn sharp left
6.1 mi · 9 min
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4
Take the ramp left
10.9 mi · 12 min
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5
Turn right
575 ft · 7 sec
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6
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 23 min · State Highway 5
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7
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
7.5 mi · 9 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: Norwalk, Martensdale
3174 ft · 1 min
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9
Turn right
4.7 mi · 7 min
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10
Turn left onto Vine Street
2187 ft · 1 min · Vine Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Indiana 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.
State Highway 5
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 00h 23m
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.
Sunny leaving Indiana and Sunny near West Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Indiana to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 51.3 miles (82.6 km) and usually takes 00h 56m 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?
Swan is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.8 miles from Indiana and 25.5 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 43.9 miles (70.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.4 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 4:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.83 one way or $13.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Indiana and Sunny near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Swan
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 Swan.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Indiana and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 43.91 mi (70.67 km).
#1 Indiana
A city located in the state of Iowa.
| Population | 820,445 |
| Coordinates | 41.2044400, -93.0252000 |
| Altitude | 281 |
| 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: 83 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.83 | $13.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.70 | $15.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.42 | $16.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.60 | $19.20 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.