How far is West Burlington, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from West Burlington, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 169.5 miles (272.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.6 miles (229.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 36m 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 48m.
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 Wapello County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Burlington and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Burlington and West Des Moines.
-
1
Start on East Wheeler Street
7 m · 3 sec · East Wheeler Street
-
2
Turn right onto Broadway Street
111 m · 18 sec · Broadway Street
-
3
Turn left onto West Mount Pleasant Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · West Mount Pleasant Street
-
4
Turn left
1411 ft · 36 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
22 mi · 25 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward US 218, IA 27 North: Iowa City, Fairfield
1.3 km · 2 min
-
7
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
1.8 mi · 2 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
8
Keep slight right
61.1 mi · 1 hr 11 min
-
9
Continue straight
16.7 mi · 19 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward IA 92: Oskaloosa, Knoxville
2175 ft · 59 sec
-
11
Turn left onto A Avenue West
32.4 mi · 36 min · A Avenue West
-
12
Turn right
575 ft · 7 sec
-
13
Continue on State Highway 5
19.2 mi · 23 min · State Highway 5
-
14
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
7.5 mi · 9 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
-
15
Take the exit slight right toward IA 28: Norwalk, Martensdale
3174 ft · 1 min
-
16
Turn right
4.7 mi · 7 min
-
17
Turn left onto Vine Street
2187 ft · 1 min · Vine Street
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Burlington 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.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight right
61.1 mi · 01h 11m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving West Burlington 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 West Burlington to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 169.5 miles (272.8 km) and usually takes 02h 48m 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?
Chillicothe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84.7 miles from West Burlington and 84.9 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.6 miles (229.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.9 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 12:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.55 one way or $45.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around West Burlington and Chance Rain Showers near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Chillicothe
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 Chillicothe.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Osceola
Fort Madison station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Burlington and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 142.61 mi (229.51 km).
#1 West Burlington
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,875 |
| Coordinates | 40.8250400, -91.1565400 |
| Altitude | 212 |
| 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: 273 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.55 | $45.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.43 | $50.87 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.83 | $55.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.72 | $63.44 |
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.