How far is Malvern, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Malvern, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 133.2 miles (214.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.1 miles (169.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 31m 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 15m.
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.
Human settlement in Audubon County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Malvern and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Malvern and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on Main Street
1.5 km · 3 min · Main Street
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2
Continue on County Highway L63
1.6 km · 2 min · County Highway L63
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3
Turn right
9.6 mi · 14 min
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4
Turn right
1060 ft · 43 sec
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5
Turn right
20.4 mi · 29 min
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6
Turn left
6.4 mi · 9 min
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7
Keep slight left
7.5 mi · 11 min
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8
Take the ramp slight right
1377 ft · 34 sec
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9
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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12
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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13
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 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 Malvern 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.
County Highway L63
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 01h 28m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Malvern 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 Malvern to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 133.2 miles (214.3 km) and usually takes 02h 15m 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?
Brayton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66.5 miles from Malvern and 66.7 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.1 miles (169.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.1 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 1:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.72 one way or $35.45 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Malvern and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Brayton
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 Brayton.
Creston
Omaha
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Malvern and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 105.07 mi (169.09 km).
#1 Malvern
City in Mills County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,105 |
| Coordinates | 41.0027800, -95.5852800 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| 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: 214 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.72 | $35.45 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.99 | $39.98 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.87 | $43.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.93 | $49.86 |
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.