How far is Melcher-Dallas, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Melcher-Dallas, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 42 miles (67.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 34.4 miles (55.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 34m 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 00h 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 Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Melcher-Dallas and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Melcher-Dallas and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on Northeast Main Street
141 m · 15 sec · Northeast Main Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto B Street Northwest
112 m · 10 sec · B Street Northwest
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3
Turn right onto 1st Street Northwest
141 m · 9 sec · 1st Street Northwest
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4
Continue on County Road S45
9.2 mi · 16 min · County Road S45
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5
Continue straight
621 ft · 8 sec
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6
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 23 min · State Highway 5
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7
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
7.5 mi · 9 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: Norwalk, Martensdale
3174 ft · 1 min
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9
Turn right
4.7 mi · 7 min
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10
Turn left onto Vine Street
2187 ft · 1 min · Vine Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Melcher-Dallas 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.
State Highway 5
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 00h 23m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Melcher-Dallas 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 Melcher-Dallas to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 42 miles (67.6 km) and usually takes 00h 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?
Hartford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21 miles from Melcher-Dallas and 21 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 34.4 miles (55.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.6 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 4:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.58 one way or $11.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Melcher-Dallas and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Hartford
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 Hartford.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Melcher-Dallas and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 34.43 mi (55.41 km).
#1 Melcher-Dallas
City in Marion County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,236 |
| Coordinates | 41.2250000, -93.2413200 |
| Altitude | 289 |
| 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: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.58 | $11.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.29 | $12.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.89 | $13.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.85 | $15.70 |
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.