How far is Onawa, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Onawa, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 158.6 miles (255.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.8 miles (204 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 58m 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 29m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Onawa and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Onawa and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on 10th Street
9 m · 8 sec · 10th Street
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2
Turn left onto Iowa Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Iowa Avenue
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3
Continue on State Highway 175
1.6 km · 2 min · State Highway 175
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4
Take the ramp left
2024 ft · 50 sec
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5
Merge slight left
40.5 mi · 43 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 880 East: Des Moines
1.2 km · 2 min
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7
Continue straight
16 mi · 17 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Des Moines
1.1 km · 44 sec
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9
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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12
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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13
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 sec · Vine Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Onawa 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 East
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 01h 42m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Onawa 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 Onawa to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 158.6 miles (255.3 km) and usually takes 02h 29m 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?
Walnut is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.9 miles from Onawa and 78.7 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.8 miles (204 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.8 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.12 one way or $42.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Onawa and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Walnut
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 Walnut.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Onawa and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 126.75 mi (203.98 km).
#1 Onawa
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,766 |
| Coordinates | 42.0266500, -96.0972400 |
| Altitude | 320 |
| 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: 255 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.12 | $42.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.82 | $47.63 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.06 | $52.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.70 | $59.40 |
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.