How far is North Liberty, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from North Liberty, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 119.7 miles (192.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 109.7 miles (176.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 55m 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 57m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between North Liberty and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Liberty and West Des Moines.
-
1
Start on North Dubuque Street
48 m · 5 sec · North Dubuque Street
-
2
Continue on North Front Street
854 ft · 28 sec · North Front Street
-
3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward West Penn Street
56 m · 4 sec · West Penn Street
-
4
Exit the rotary onto West Penn Street
2.2 mi · 4 min · West Penn Street
-
5
Continue on 250th Street Northwest
1165 ft · 31 sec · 250th Street Northwest
-
6
Take the ramp left toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City
1696 ft · 42 sec
-
7
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
3.1 mi · 3 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
-
9
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
-
10
Merge slight left
100.5 mi · 1 hr 48 min
-
11
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
-
12
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
-
14
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
-
15
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between North Liberty 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.
I 80 West
Merge slight left
100 mi · 01h 48m
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.
Sunny leaving North Liberty 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 North Liberty to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 119.7 miles (192.7 km) and usually takes 01h 57m 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?
Grinnell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.5 miles from North Liberty and 60.2 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 109.7 miles (176.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 10 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 2:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.91 one way or $31.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around North Liberty and Sunny near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Grinnell
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 Grinnell.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between North Liberty and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 109.73 mi (176.59 km).
#1 North Liberty
City in Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 19,736 |
| Coordinates | 41.7491800, -91.5979500 |
| Altitude | 238 |
| 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: 193 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.91 | $31.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.95 | $35.90 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.64 | $39.28 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.38 | $44.77 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.