How far is Stuart, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Stuart, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 35.1 miles (56.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 31.8 miles (51.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 11m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 35m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Stuart and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Stuart and West Des Moines.
-
1
Start on South Division Street
1.3 km · 1 min · South Division Street
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2
Take the ramp left
1517 ft · 37 sec
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3
Merge slight left
29.1 mi · 31 min
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4
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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5
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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6
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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7
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 sec · Vine Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Stuart 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.
South Division Street
Merge slight left
29.1 mi · 00h 31m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Stuart and 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 Stuart to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 35.1 miles (56.5 km) and usually takes 00h 35m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
De Soto is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.5 miles from Stuart and 17.6 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 31.8 miles (51.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.3 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.68 one way or $9.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Stuart and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near De Soto
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 De Soto.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Stuart and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 31.81 mi (51.2 km).
#1 Stuart
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,756 |
| Coordinates | 41.5033200, -94.3185700 |
| Altitude | 368 |
| 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: 56 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.68 | $9.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.27 | $10.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.77 | $11.54 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.58 | $13.15 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.