How far is Washington, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Washington, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 97.4 miles (156.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 83.9 miles (135.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 00m 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 30m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Washington and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Washington and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on State Highway 3
6.4 mi · 9 min · State Highway 3
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2
Continue on Balsam Avenue
158 m · 13 sec · Balsam Avenue
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3
Take the ramp left toward Hampton, Clarion
1610 ft · 39 sec
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4
Merge slight left
77.8 mi · 1 hr 24 min
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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6
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
1348 ft · 35 sec
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8
Turn left onto 63rd Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · 63rd Street
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9
Turn right onto Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Washington 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.
Hampton
Merge slight left
77.8 mi · 01h 24m
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 Rain And Snow Showers leaving Washington 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 Washington to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 97.4 miles (156.8 km) and usually takes 01h 30m 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?
Story City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.3 miles from Washington and 49.1 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 83.9 miles (135.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.5 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 3:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.97 one way or $25.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Washington and Chance Rain Showers near West Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Washington and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 83.96 mi (135.12 km).
#1 Washington
City in Franklin County, Missouri
| Population | 7,206 |
| Coordinates | 42.7477500, -93.2713100 |
| Altitude | 367 |
| 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: 157 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.97 | $25.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.63 | $29.26 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.01 | $32.02 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.25 | $36.49 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.