How far is West Des Moines, IA from Bedford, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Bedford, IA is about 111 miles (178.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 82 miles (131.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 48m 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 24m.
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.
Human settlement in Decatur County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Bedford.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Bedford.
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1
Start on Vine Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Vine Street
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2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
4.1 mi · 8 min · Grand Avenue
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3
Take the ramp left toward DMACC West Campus
2028 ft · 50 sec
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4
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 1 hr
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 2: Leon, Mount Ayr
2038 ft · 51 sec
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6
Turn right onto State Highway 2
20.4 mi · 29 min · State Highway 2
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7
Continue on South Street
13 mi · 19 min · South Street
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8
Continue on State Highway 2
2.5 mi · 4 min · State Highway 2
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9
Continue on State Highway 2
12.6 mi · 19 min · State Highway 2
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10
Turn left onto County Road N44
2136 ft · 43 sec · County Road N44
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11
Continue on Pearl Street
3007 ft · 1 min · Pearl Street
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12
Turn left onto Madison Street
696 ft · 12 sec · Madison Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Madison Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Bedford.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
DMACC West Campus
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 01h 00m
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 West Des Moines and Sunny near Bedford.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Bedford?
The road trip is about 111 miles (178.7 km) and usually takes 02h 24m 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?
Van Wert is a useful midpoint, sitting about 55.5 miles from West Des Moines and 55.6 miles from Bedford.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 82 miles (131.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 29 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 1:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.78 one way or $29.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around West Des Moines and Sunny near Bedford.
Stop Ideas Near Van Wert
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 Van Wert.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Bedford. Straight-line distance: 81.97 mi (131.92 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 Bedford
Town in Taylor County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,380 |
| Coordinates | 40.6669300, -94.7213600 |
| Altitude | 344 |
| Country | United States |
End: Bedford (-94.72136, 40.66693)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 179 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.78 | $29.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.67 | $33.34 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.24 | $36.49 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.79 | $41.58 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.