How far is Marcus, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Marcus, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 183.4 miles (295.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 137.6 miles (221.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 29m 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 14m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Marcus and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Marcus and West Des Moines.
-
1
Start on North Main Street
21 m · 8 sec · North Main Street
-
2
Turn left onto East Cedar Street
2229 ft · 2 min · East Cedar Street
-
3
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Ames Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · North Ames Avenue
-
4
Turn left onto 490th Street
5 mi · 7 min · 490th Street
-
5
Continue on State Highway 3
4.2 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
-
6
Continue on 500th Street
2.5 mi · 3 min · 500th Street
-
7
Turn straight onto State Highway 3
4.4 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
-
8
Turn left onto 530th Street
3.4 mi · 5 min · 530th Street
-
9
Turn right onto V Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
-
10
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
-
11
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
-
12
Continue on Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
-
13
Turn right onto 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
-
14
Continue on Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
-
15
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
60.9 mi · 1 hr 10 min · 220th Street
-
16
Take the exit slight right toward US 169
1966 ft · 57 sec
-
17
Turn right onto Lainson Avenue
12.2 mi · 17 min · Lainson Avenue
-
18
Turn left onto 360th Street
3.9 mi · 5 min · 360th Street
-
19
Take the exit slight right
16.2 mi · 23 min
-
20
Turn left onto 220th Street
3.7 mi · 5 min · 220th Street
-
21
Take the exit slight right
2251 ft · 1 min
-
22
Turn right onto H Avenue
11.4 mi · 16 min · H Avenue
-
23
Continue on N Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · N Avenue
-
24
Take the exit left toward IA 141 east: Urbandale
1677 ft · 46 sec
-
25
Continue on Northwest Granger Drive
15.6 mi · 19 min · Northwest Granger Drive
-
26
Continue on Northwest 114th Street
2.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 114th Street
-
27
Continue on Northeast Grimes Boulevard
1.6 km · 1 min · Northeast Grimes Boulevard
-
28
Continue on Grimes Boulevard
3087 ft · 50 sec · Grimes Boulevard
-
29
Continue on Southeast Grimes Boulevard
1.8 mi · 3 min · Southeast Grimes Boulevard
-
30
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 south, I-80 west: Kansas City, Council Bluffs
1.1 km · 1 min
-
31
Merge slight left
3.3 mi · 4 min
-
32
Keep slight left
2012 ft · 26 sec
-
33
Take the exit slight right toward I 235 East: West Des Moines, Des Moines
2327 ft · 57 sec · Ramp 72 I
-
34
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
2.8 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
35
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
-
36
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
-
37
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 sec · Vine Street
-
38
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Marcus and West Des Moines.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
220th Street
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
60.9 mi · 01h 10m
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Marcus and 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 Marcus to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 183.4 miles (295.1 km) and usually takes 03h 14m 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?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 92.3 miles from Marcus and 91.1 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 137.6 miles (221.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.8 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 10:30 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.40 one way or $48.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Marcus and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Marcus and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 137.66 mi (221.55 km).
#1 Marcus
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,055 |
| Coordinates | 42.8258200, -95.8075100 |
| Altitude | 445 |
| 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: 295 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.40 | $48.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.52 | $55.03 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.11 | $60.22 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.32 | $68.63 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.