How far is Ottumwa, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Ottumwa, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 93.5 miles (150.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 77.7 miles (125 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 15m 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 37m.
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.
Human settlement in Marion County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ottumwa and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ottumwa and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on West Fourth Street
1124 ft · 29 sec · West Fourth Street
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2
Turn right onto North Wapello Street
121 m · 5 sec · North Wapello Street
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3
Continue on Old US Highway 63
4.8 mi · 6 min · Old US Highway 63
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4
Turn left
1752 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
22.8 mi · 26 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 92: Oskaloosa, Knoxville
2175 ft · 1 min
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7
Turn left onto A Avenue West
32.4 mi · 36 min · A Avenue West
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8
Turn right
575 ft · 7 sec
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9
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 23 min · State Highway 5
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10
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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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: Norwalk, Martensdale
3174 ft · 1 min
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12
Turn right
4.7 mi · 7 min
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13
Turn left onto Vine Street
2187 ft · 1 min · 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 Ottumwa 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.
A Avenue West
Turn left onto A Avenue West
32.4 mi · 00h 36m
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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 93.5 miles (150.5 km) and usually takes 01h 37m 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?
Harvey is a useful midpoint, sitting about 46.7 miles from Ottumwa and 46.8 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 77.7 miles (125 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.8 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 3:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.44 one way or $24.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 29.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ottumwa and Sunny near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Harvey
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Harvey.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ottumwa and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 77.69 mi (125.03 km).
#1 Ottumwa
City in Iowa
| Population | 24,375 |
| Coordinates | 41.0200100, -92.4113000 |
| Altitude | 205 |
| 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: 151 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.44 | $24.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.03 | $28.07 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.36 | $30.72 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.50 | $35.01 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.