How far is Oskaloosa, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Oskaloosa, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 66.4 miles (106.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 58.6 miles (94.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 23m 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 11m.
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 Marion County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Oskaloosa and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oskaloosa and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on the route
17 m · 6 sec
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2
Turn right onto A Avenue East
33.9 mi · 40 min · A Avenue East
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3
Turn right
575 ft · 7 sec
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4
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 23 min · State Highway 5
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5
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
7.5 mi · 9 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: Norwalk, Martensdale
3174 ft · 1 min
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7
Turn right
4.7 mi · 7 min
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8
Turn left onto Vine Street
2187 ft · 1 min · Vine Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Oskaloosa and West Des Moines.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
A Avenue East
Turn right onto A Avenue East
33.9 mi · 00h 40m
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 Oskaloosa and Mostly 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 Oskaloosa to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 66.4 miles (106.8 km) and usually takes 01h 11m 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?
Pleasantville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 33.2 miles from Oskaloosa and 33.2 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 58.6 miles (94.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.8 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 4:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.82 one way or $17.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 20.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Oskaloosa and Mostly Sunny near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Pleasantville
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 Pleasantville.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Oskaloosa and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 58.58 mi (94.27 km).
#1 Oskaloosa
City in and the county seat of Mahaska County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 11,803 |
| Coordinates | 41.2963900, -92.6443600 |
| Altitude | 256 |
| 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: 107 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.82 | $17.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.95 | $19.90 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.89 | $21.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.41 | $24.82 |
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 · Jun 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.