How far is Panora, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Panora, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 45.4 miles (73.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 34.5 miles (55.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 44m 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 00h 52m.
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Panora and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Panora and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on East Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · East Main Street
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2
Continue on State Highway 44
3.6 mi · 5 min · State Highway 44
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3
Continue on 240th Street
13.3 mi · 18 min · 240th Street
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4
Turn right onto N Avenue
4.5 mi · 6 min · N Avenue
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5
Continue on Nile Kinnick Drive North
3226 ft · 2 min · Nile Kinnick Drive North
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6
Turn left onto Greene Street
1 km · 1 min · Greene Street
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7
Continue on 290th Street
2.1 mi · 3 min · 290th Street
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8
Continue on Grand Army of the Republic Highway
2558 ft · 34 sec · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
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9
Continue on Hickman Road
9.2 mi · 14 min · Hickman Road
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10
Take the exit right toward I-35 south, I-80 west
1374 ft · 34 sec
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11
Merge slight left
1.5 km · 1 min
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12
Keep slight left
2012 ft · 26 sec
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 235 East: West Des Moines, Des Moines
2327 ft · 57 sec · Ramp 72 I
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14
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
2.8 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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16
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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17
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 sec · Vine Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Panora and West Des Moines.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
240th Street
Continue on 240th Street
13.3 mi · 00h 18m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Panora and Sunny then Slight 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 Panora to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 45.4 miles (73.1 km) and usually takes 00h 52m 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?
Adel is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.8 miles from Panora and 24.6 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 34.5 miles (55.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.9 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 4:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.03 one way or $12.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Panora and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Adel
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 Adel.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Panora and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 34.57 mi (55.63 km).
#1 Panora
City in Guthrie County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,066 |
| Coordinates | 41.6916500, -94.3630200 |
| Altitude | 328 |
| 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: 73 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.03 | $12.07 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.80 | $13.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.45 | $14.89 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.49 | $16.97 |
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 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.