How far is Johnston, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Johnston, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 8 miles (12.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 6.6 miles (10.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 35m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 17m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
A city in Polk County, Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Johnston and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Johnston and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on Merle Hay Road
4 mi · 8 min · Merle Hay Road
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2
Continue on Merklin Way
1978 ft · 45 sec · Merklin Way
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3
Turn right onto 55th Street
1.3 km · 1 min · 55th Street
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4
Continue on 56th Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · 56th Street
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5
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
2630 ft · 54 sec · Grand Avenue
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6
Turn left onto 63rd Street;1st Street
2018 ft · 54 sec · 63rd Street;1st Street
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7
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Johnston and West Des Moines.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Merle Hay Road
Start on Merle Hay Road
4.01 mi · 00h 08m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Johnston and 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 Johnston to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 8 miles (12.8 km) and usually takes 00h 17m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Urbandale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 3.9 miles from Johnston and 4.2 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 6.6 miles (10.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.4 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.06 one way or $2.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 2.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Johnston and Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Urbandale
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 Urbandale.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Johnston and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 6.66 mi (10.72 km).
#1 Johnston
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 23,092 |
| Coordinates | 41.6730400, -93.6977200 |
| Altitude | 253 |
| 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: 13 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $1.06 | $2.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $1.19 | $2.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $1.30 | $2.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $1.49 | $2.97 |
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 · Jun 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.