How far is Sioux City, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Sioux City, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 194.7 miles (313.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 152 miles (244.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 55m 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 57m.
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 Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sioux City and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sioux City and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on the route
35 m · 14 sec
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2
Turn left onto 9th Street
990 ft · 46 sec · 9th Street
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3
Turn right onto Court Street
1594 ft · 55 sec · Court Street
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4
Turn left onto 5th Street
794 ft · 29 sec · 5th Street
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5
Turn right onto Floyd Boulevard
1 km · 2 min · Floyd Boulevard
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6
Take the ramp left toward I 29 South
1588 ft · 39 sec
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7
Merge slight left
75.6 mi · 1 hr 22 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 880 East: Des Moines
1.2 km · 2 min
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9
Continue straight
16 mi · 17 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Des Moines
1.1 km · 44 sec
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11
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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14
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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15
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 sec · Vine Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sioux City 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 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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Sioux City 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 Sioux City to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 194.7 miles (313.3 km) and usually takes 02h 57m 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?
Minden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.1 miles from Sioux City and 97.6 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 152 miles (244.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.7 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 12:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.91 one way or $51.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Sioux City and Mostly Sunny near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Minden
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 Minden.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sioux City and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 151.99 mi (244.61 km).
#1 Sioux City
The second most populous city in Iowa.
| Population | 82,651 |
| Coordinates | 42.4999900, -96.4003100 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| 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: 313 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.91 | $51.81 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.22 | $58.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.97 | $63.95 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.44 | $72.88 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.