How far is Le Mars, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Le Mars, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 205.6 miles (330.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 151.2 miles (243.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 00m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 30m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Harrison County, Iowa
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 Le Mars and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Le Mars and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on 1st Street Northeast
73 m · 16 sec · 1st Street Northeast
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2
Turn left onto Central Avenue
134 m · 19 sec · Central Avenue
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3
Turn right onto Plymouth Street Northwest
1963 ft · 1 min · Plymouth Street Northwest
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4
Continue on Plymouth Street Southwest
2601 ft · 1 min · Plymouth Street Southwest
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5
Continue on Plymouth Street West
112 m · 6 sec · Plymouth Street West
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6
Continue on State Highway 3
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 3
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7
Take the ramp left toward US 75
1813 ft · 44 sec
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8
Merge slight left
27.6 mi · 33 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 29: Sioux City, Council Bluffs
1754 ft · 23 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 South: Council Bluffs, Sioux Gateway Airport
73.3 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 880 East: Des Moines
1.2 km · 2 min
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12
Continue straight
16 mi · 17 min
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13
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Des Moines
1.1 km · 44 sec
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14
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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15
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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16
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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17
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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18
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 sec · Vine Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Le Mars 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
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 01h 42m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Le Mars 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 Le Mars to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 205.6 miles (330.9 km) and usually takes 03h 30m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Missouri Valley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 110.3 miles from Le Mars and 95.3 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 151.2 miles (243.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 54.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:00 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.34 one way or $54.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 64.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Le Mars and Sunny near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Missouri Valley
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 Missouri Valley.
Omaha
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Le Mars and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 151.18 mi (243.3 km).
#1 Le Mars
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,195 |
| Coordinates | 42.7941600, -96.1655800 |
| Altitude | 376 |
| 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: 331 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.34 | $54.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.83 | $61.67 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.74 | $67.48 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.45 | $76.91 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.