How far is Mediapolis, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Mediapolis, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 163.9 miles (263.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 137.9 miles (222 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 35m 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 47m.
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 Wapello County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mediapolis and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mediapolis and West Des Moines.
-
1
Start on North Orchard Street
22 m · 5 sec · North Orchard Street
-
2
Turn right onto Main Street
1946 ft · 39 sec · Main Street
-
3
Turn straight onto Mediapolis Road
10.6 mi · 19 min · Mediapolis Road
-
4
Continue on 210th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
-
5
Turn left onto Racine Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Racine Avenue
-
6
Turn right onto 220th Street
7.4 mi · 13 min · 220th Street
-
7
Continue on Winfield Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Winfield Avenue
-
8
Turn right onto Old US Highway 218
1.1 km · 1 min · Old US Highway 218
-
9
Take the exit left
2249 ft · 55 sec
-
10
Merge slight left
59.7 mi · 1 hr 9 min
-
11
Continue straight
16.7 mi · 19 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward IA 92: Oskaloosa, Knoxville
2175 ft · 1 min
-
13
Turn left onto A Avenue West
32.4 mi · 36 min · A Avenue West
-
14
Turn right
575 ft · 7 sec
-
15
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 23 min · State Highway 5
-
16
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
7.5 mi · 9 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
-
17
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: Norwalk, Martensdale
3174 ft · 1 min
-
18
Turn right
4.7 mi · 7 min
-
19
Turn left onto Vine Street
2187 ft · 1 min · Vine Street
-
20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mediapolis 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.
Old US Highway 218
Merge slight left
59.7 mi · 01h 09m
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Mediapolis and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then 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 Mediapolis to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 163.9 miles (263.8 km) and usually takes 02h 47m 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?
Chillicothe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.9 miles from Mediapolis and 82 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 137.9 miles (222 km), while the road route adds roughly 26 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 12:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.80 one way or $43.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Mediapolis and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Chillicothe
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 Chillicothe.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Osceola
Fort Madison station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mediapolis and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 137.96 mi (222.02 km).
#1 Mediapolis
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,514 |
| Coordinates | 41.0080900, -91.1640400 |
| Altitude | 235 |
| 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: 264 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.80 | $43.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.58 | $49.16 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.90 | $53.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.66 | $61.31 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.