How far is Tipton, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Tipton, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 146 miles (235 km), with a travel time of about 02h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134 miles (215.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 43m 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 21m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tipton and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tipton and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on the route
36 m · 12 sec
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2
Turn left onto East 5th Street
15 m · 8 sec · East 5th Street
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3
Turn left onto Cedar Street
1916 ft · 57 sec · Cedar Street
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4
Turn right onto West South Street
3068 ft · 1 min · West South Street
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5
Continue on Cedar Valley Road
6.7 mi · 9 min · Cedar Valley Road
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6
Turn left onto Garfield Avenue
4.5 mi · 6 min · Garfield Avenue
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7
Take the ramp right
1415 ft · 35 sec
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8
Merge slight left
121.4 mi · 2 hr 12 min
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9
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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10
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
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12
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
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13
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tipton 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.
Garfield Avenue
Merge slight left
121 mi · 02h 12m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Tipton and 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 Tipton to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 146 miles (235 km) and usually takes 02h 21m 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?
Brooklyn is a useful midpoint, sitting about 72.6 miles from Tipton and 73.4 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 134 miles (215.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 12 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 1:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.42 one way or $38.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Tipton and Chance Rain Showers near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Brooklyn
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 Brooklyn.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tipton and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 133.99 mi (215.63 km).
#1 Tipton
Town in Iowa
| Population | 3,178 |
| Coordinates | 41.7697400, -91.1279300 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| 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: 235 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.42 | $38.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.90 | $43.81 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.97 | $47.94 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.32 | $54.63 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.