How far is Osage, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Osage, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 154.8 miles (249.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.6 miles (203.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 52m 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 26m.
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 located in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Sunny
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Osage and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Osage and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on Main Street
12 m · 9 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn left onto South 7th Street
1.6 km · 2 min · South 7th Street
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3
Continue on Lancer Avenue
9.9 mi · 17 min · Lancer Avenue
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4
Turn right onto Avenue of the Saints
27 mi · 31 min · Avenue of the Saints
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5
Take the exit slight left toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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6
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
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7
Merge slight left
102.7 mi · 1 hr 51 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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9
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
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11
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
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12
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Osage 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 35 South
Merge slight left
103 mi · 01h 51m
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.
Widespread Frost then Sunny leaving Osage and Areas Of Frost then 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 Osage to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 154.8 miles (249.1 km) and usually takes 02h 26m 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?
Oakland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 77 miles from Osage and 77.8 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.6 miles (203.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.2 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 1:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.59 one way or $41.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost then Sunny around Osage and Areas Of Frost then Sunny near West Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Osage and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 126.55 mi (203.67 km).
#1 Osage
City in Mitchell County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,549 |
| Coordinates | 43.2841400, -92.8110300 |
| Altitude | 360 |
| 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: 249 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.59 | $41.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.22 | $46.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.41 | $50.82 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.96 | $57.92 |
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.