How far is West Des Moines, IA from Buffalo (historical), IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Buffalo (historical), IA is about 33.9 miles (54.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 23.8 miles (38.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 34m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
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 00h 47m.
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 Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Buffalo (historical).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Buffalo (historical).
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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
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Merge slight right
12.1 mi · 13 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 169, US 6: Adel, Winterset
1742 ft · 51 sec
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8
Turn left onto North Avenue
147 m · 9 sec · North Avenue
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9
Continue on Guthrie Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Guthrie Street
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10
Continue on North Avenue
13.7 mi · 21 min · North Avenue
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11
Continue on Clark Tower Road
1.5 mi · 2 min · Clark Tower Road
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12
Turn left onto St Charles Road
105 m · 10 sec · St Charles Road
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13
Turn right onto Maple Lane
59 m · 9 sec · Maple Lane
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Maple Lane
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Buffalo (historical).
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
North Avenue
Continue on North Avenue
13.7 mi · 00h 21m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving West Des Moines and Sunny near Buffalo (historical).
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Buffalo (historical)?
The road trip is about 33.9 miles (54.6 km) and usually takes 00h 47m 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?
De Soto is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17 miles from West Des Moines and 17 miles from Buffalo (historical).
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 23.8 miles (38.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.1 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:56 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.62 one way or $9.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around West Des Moines and Sunny near Buffalo (historical).
Stop Ideas Near De Soto
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 De Soto.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Buffalo (historical). Straight-line distance: 23.82 mi (38.33 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 Buffalo (historical)
Buffalo (historical) is a place in Iowa, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.3111000, -94.0035600 |
| Altitude | 283 |
| Country | United States |
End: Buffalo (historical) (-94.00356, 41.3111)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 55 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.85 | $4.62 | $9.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.18 | $5.01 | $10.03 |
| Premium | $4.74 | $5.69 | $11.38 |
| Diesel | $5.90 | $7.08 | $14.16 |
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 · Nov 10, 2026