How far is Mount Ayr, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Mount Ayr, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 82.7 miles (133.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 65.6 miles (105.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 47m 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 01h 23m.
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 Clarke County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mount Ayr and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mount Ayr and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on East Madison Street
581 ft · 28 sec · East Madison Street
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2
Turn right onto South Hayes Street
1352 ft · 1 min · South Hayes Street
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3
Turn left onto East South Street
2642 ft · 45 sec · East South Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 2
20.6 mi · 30 min · State Highway 2
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5
Take the ramp left
1576 ft · 38 sec
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6
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 1 hr
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Avenue, DMACC West Campus
1964 ft · 52 sec
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8
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
3.9 mi · 7 min · Grand Avenue
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9
Turn right onto Vine Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Vine Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mount Ayr 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 2
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 01h 00m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Mount Ayr 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 Mount Ayr to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 82.7 miles (133.1 km) and usually takes 01h 23m 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?
Osceola is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41.3 miles from Mount Ayr and 41.4 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 65.6 miles (105.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.1 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 3:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.01 one way or $22.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Mount Ayr and Sunny near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Osceola
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 Osceola.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mount Ayr and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 65.53 mi (105.46 km).
#1 Mount Ayr
City in Ringgold County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,601 |
| Coordinates | 40.7147100, -94.2352300 |
| Altitude | 372 |
| 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: 133 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.01 | $22.02 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.42 | $24.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.59 | $27.18 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.49 | $30.98 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.