How far is West Des Moines, IA from Algona, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Algona, IA is about 124.8 miles (200.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.5 miles (171.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 46m 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 53m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Algona.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Algona.
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1
Start on Vine Street
143 m · 15 sec · Vine Street
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2
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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3
Continue on 73rd Street
1465 ft · 36 sec · 73rd Street
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4
Take the ramp left toward I-235 west
1686 ft · 41 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
2.3 mi · 3 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North, I 80 East: Minneapolis, Chicago
2325 ft · 57 sec · Ramp 72 E
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7
Merge slight left onto I-35 north, I-80 east: Chicago, Minneapolis
3.4 mi · 4 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IA 141 West: Grimes
1.3 km · 2 min
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9
Merge slight left onto Southeast Grimes Boulevard
2.3 mi · 3 min · Southeast Grimes Boulevard
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10
Continue on Northeast Grimes Boulevard
1.6 km · 1 min · Northeast Grimes Boulevard
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11
Continue on Northwest 114th Street
2.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 114th Street
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12
Continue on Northwest Granger Drive
15.6 mi · 19 min · Northwest Granger Drive
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13
Take the exit straight toward US 169: Ogden, Adel
1910 ft · 55 sec
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14
Turn right onto N Avenue
1.8 mi · 2 min · N Avenue
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15
Continue on H Avenue
11.6 mi · 16 min · H Avenue
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16
Take the exit right
1363 ft · 38 sec
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17
Merge slight left onto 220th Street
4.1 mi · 6 min · 220th Street
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18
Turn right onto D Avenue
12.1 mi · 17 min · D Avenue
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19
Continue on Paragon Avenue
4 mi · 6 min · Paragon Avenue
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20
Turn left onto 360th Street
4 mi · 6 min · 360th Street
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21
Turn right onto Lainson Avenue
30.7 mi · 42 min · Lainson Avenue
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22
Continue on 13th Street South
1.3 mi · 2 min · 13th Street South
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23
Continue on Lincoln Avenue
115 m · 8 sec · Lincoln Avenue
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24
Continue on 13th Street North
1.3 mi · 2 min · 13th Street North
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25
Continue on Lincoln Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · Lincoln Avenue
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26
Continue on 120th Avenue
2588 ft · 55 sec · 120th Avenue
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27
Continue on South Phillips Street
5.9 mi · 8 min · South Phillips Street
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28
Continue on US Highway 169
4 mi · 6 min · US Highway 169
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29
Continue on South Phillips Street
2617 ft · 1 min · South Phillips Street
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30
Turn left onto East McGregor Street
1636 ft · 35 sec · East McGregor Street
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31
Turn right onto South Jones Street
1121 ft · 30 sec · South Jones Street
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32
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jones Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Algona.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Lainson Avenue
Turn right onto Lainson Avenue
30.7 mi · 00h 42m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving West Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Algona.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Algona?
The road trip is about 124.8 miles (200.9 km) and usually takes 02h 53m 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?
Dayton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.4 miles from West Des Moines and 62.4 miles from Algona.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 106.5 miles (171.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.3 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 12:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.63 one way or $33.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around West Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Algona.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Algona. Straight-line distance: 106.53 mi (171.44 km).
#1 West Des Moines
The most populous city in Dallas County, Iowa.
| Population | 69,057 |
| Coordinates | 41.5772100, -93.7113300 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Algona
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,359 |
| Coordinates | 43.0699700, -94.2330200 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| Country | United States |
End: Algona (-94.23302, 43.06997)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 201 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.63 | $33.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.76 | $37.51 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.52 | $41.05 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.39 | $46.78 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.