How far is Walford, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Walford, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 116.7 miles (187.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 99 miles (159.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 50m 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 55m.
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 Poweshiek 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 Walford and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Walford and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on B Avenue West
33 m · 7 sec · B Avenue West
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2
Turn right onto 3rd Street North
65 m · 10 sec · 3rd Street North
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3
Turn right onto Co Trunk Rd E68
1316 ft · 25 sec · Co Trunk Rd E68
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4
Continue on 1st Avenue
738 ft · 13 sec · 1st Avenue
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5
Continue on 79th Street
2.4 mi · 3 min · 79th Street
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6
Continue on W Avenue
9 mi · 13 min · W Avenue
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7
Turn left onto U Avenue
5.5 mi · 8 min · U Avenue
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8
Take the ramp right
2022 ft · 49 sec
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9
Merge slight left
86.6 mi · 1 hr 33 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 Walford 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.
U Avenue
Merge slight left
86.6 mi · 01h 33m
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 Walford 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 Walford to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 116.7 miles (187.8 km) and usually takes 01h 55m 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?
Grinnell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57.9 miles from Walford and 58.7 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 99 miles (159.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.7 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 2:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.54 one way or $31.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Walford and Sunny near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Grinnell
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 Grinnell.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Walford and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 98.98 mi (159.3 km).
#1 Walford
City in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,436 |
| Coordinates | 41.8783400, -91.8346200 |
| Altitude | 245 |
| 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: 188 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.54 | $31.07 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.52 | $35.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.17 | $38.35 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.85 | $43.70 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.