How far is Story City, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Story City, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 50.9 miles (81.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 42.6 miles (68.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 42m 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 51m.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States
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 Story City and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Story City and West Des Moines.
-
1
Start on Pennsylvania Avenue
16 m · 8 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
-
2
Turn left onto Broad Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · Broad Street
-
3
Take the ramp right toward I-35 south: Des Moines
2153 ft · 52 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
36.5 mi · 40 min
-
5
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
-
6
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
-
8
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
-
9
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
-
10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Story 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-35 south
Merge slight left
36.5 mi · 00h 40m
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 Story City 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 Story City to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 50.9 miles (81.9 km) and usually takes 00h 51m 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?
Alleman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.1 miles from Story City and 25.8 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 42.6 miles (68.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.79 one way or $13.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Story City and Sunny near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Alleman
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 Alleman.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Story City and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 42.56 mi (68.5 km).
#1 Story City
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,320 |
| Coordinates | 42.1872100, -93.5957700 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| 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: 82 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.79 | $13.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.66 | $15.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.38 | $16.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.55 | $19.09 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.