How far is Saint Ansgar, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Saint Ansgar, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 157.5 miles (253.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 130.9 miles (210.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 06m 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 02h 33m.
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 located in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Ansgar and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Ansgar and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on Train Lane
18 m · 5 sec · Train Lane
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2
Turn left onto West 4th Street
1735 ft · 1 min · West 4th Street
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3
Turn left onto South Main Street
1280 ft · 44 sec · South Main Street
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4
Continue on Foothill Avenue
1132 ft · 25 sec · Foothill Avenue
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5
Turn right onto 420th Street
4 mi · 7 min · 420th Street
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6
Turn left onto Balsam Avenue
6 mi · 11 min · Balsam Avenue
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7
Turn right onto State Highway 9
9.4 mi · 13 min · State Highway 9
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8
Continue on East South Street
1 mi · 2 min · East South Street
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9
Continue on State Highway 9
7.1 mi · 10 min · State Highway 9
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10
Take the ramp left
1988 ft · 49 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
115.8 mi · 2 hr 5 min · Avenue of the Saints
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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13
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
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15
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
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16
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Ansgar 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.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
116 mi · 02h 05m
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 Saint Ansgar 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 Saint Ansgar to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 157.5 miles (253.4 km) and usually takes 02h 33m 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?
Oakland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.3 miles from Saint Ansgar and 79.2 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 130.9 miles (210.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.6 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 1:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.97 one way or $41.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Saint Ansgar and Sunny near West Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Ansgar and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 130.83 mi (210.55 km).
#1 Saint Ansgar
City
| Population | 1,125 |
| Coordinates | 43.3783000, -92.9188100 |
| Altitude | 357 |
| 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: 253 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.97 | $41.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.65 | $47.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.88 | $51.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.49 | $58.98 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.