How far is Osceola, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Osceola, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 40.8 miles (65.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 37.7 miles (60.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 28m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 44m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Madison County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Osceola and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Osceola and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on South Main Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
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2
Turn left onto County Road R35
1.2 mi · 2 min · County Road R35
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3
Take the ramp right toward I-35 north: Des Moines
1204 ft · 29 sec
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4
Merge slight left
32.3 mi · 35 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Avenue, DMACC West Campus
1964 ft · 52 sec
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6
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
3.9 mi · 7 min · Grand Avenue
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7
Turn right onto Vine Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Vine Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Osceola 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 north
Merge slight left
32.3 mi · 00h 35m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Osceola and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then 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 Osceola to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 40.8 miles (65.7 km) and usually takes 00h 44m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Saint Charles is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.4 miles from Osceola and 20.4 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 37.7 miles (60.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.43 one way or $10.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Osceola and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Saint Charles
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 Saint Charles.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Osceola and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 37.64 mi (60.58 km).
#1 Osceola
City in Clarke County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,285 |
| Coordinates | 41.0338900, -93.7655000 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| 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: 66 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.43 | $10.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.12 | $12.25 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.70 | $13.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.64 | $15.28 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.