How far is Rock Rapids, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Rock Rapids, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 246.4 miles (396.5 km), with a travel time of about 04h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 179.1 miles (288.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 39m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 19m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Harrison County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Frost then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rock Rapids and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rock Rapids and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on South Union Street
42 mi · 1 hr · South Union Street
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2
Take the ramp right toward Sioux City
30.5 mi · 37 min
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3
Take the exit slight right toward I 29: Sioux City, Council Bluffs
1754 ft · 23 sec
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4
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 South: Council Bluffs, Sioux Gateway Airport
73.3 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 880 East: Des Moines
1.2 km · 2 min
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6
Continue straight
16 mi · 17 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Des Moines
1.1 km · 44 sec
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8
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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11
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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12
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 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 Rock Rapids 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 80 East
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 01h 42m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Areas Of Frost then Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Rock Rapids and Slight Chance Rain Showers near West Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rock Rapids to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 246.4 miles (396.5 km) and usually takes 04h 19m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mondamin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 131.5 miles from Rock Rapids and 114.8 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 179.1 miles (288.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 67.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:20 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.77 one way or $65.54 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Frost then Slight Chance Rain Showers around Rock Rapids and Slight Chance Rain Showers near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Mondamin
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 Mondamin.
Omaha
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rock Rapids and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 179.15 mi (288.31 km).
#1 Rock Rapids
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,518 |
| Coordinates | 43.4271900, -96.1758600 |
| Altitude | 423 |
| 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: 397 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.77 | $65.54 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.96 | $73.92 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $40.44 | $80.89 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $46.09 | $92.18 |
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 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.