How far is Traer, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Traer, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 92 miles (148.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 76.9 miles (123.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 15m 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 01h 37m.
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 Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Traer and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Traer and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on South Main Street
7.2 mi · 11 min · South Main Street
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2
Turn left onto J Avenue
11.8 mi · 17 min · J Avenue
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3
Continue on North County Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · North County Road
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4
Take the ramp right
2073 ft · 51 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
22.3 mi · 26 min · Lincoln Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
1818 ft · 46 sec
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7
Turn left onto Marshalltown Boulevard
33.7 mi · 40 min · Marshalltown Boulevard
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8
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.1 km · 58 sec · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines
4.5 mi · 6 min
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10
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
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11
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
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13
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
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14
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Traer and West Des Moines.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Marshalltown Boulevard
Turn left onto Marshalltown Boulevard
33.7 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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Traer and Partly 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 Traer to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 92 miles (148.1 km) and usually takes 01h 37m 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?
Melbourne is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47 miles from Traer and 45 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 76.9 miles (123.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.1 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 3:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.26 one way or $24.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Traer and Partly Sunny near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Melbourne
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 Melbourne.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Traer and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 76.94 mi (123.83 km).
#1 Traer
City in Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,585 |
| Coordinates | 42.1936000, -92.4654700 |
| Altitude | 279 |
| 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: 148 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.26 | $24.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.82 | $27.64 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.13 | $30.25 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.24 | $34.48 |
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 08, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.