How far is West Des Moines, IA from Burlington, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Burlington, IA is about 173.3 miles (278.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 145.2 miles (233.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 50m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 25m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Burlington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Burlington.
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1
Start on Vine Street
2147 ft · 1 min · Vine Street
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2
Turn right onto Southwest 63rd Street;1st Street
2.5 mi · 4 min · Southwest 63rd Street;1st Street
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3
Continue on State Highway 28
2.2 mi · 3 min · State Highway 28
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4
Take the ramp slight right
2701 ft · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
8.1 mi · 9 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
19 mi · 23 min
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7
Turn left
32.3 mi · 36 min
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8
Take the exit right
2173 ft · 53 sec
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9
Merge slight left
77.6 mi · 1 hr 30 min
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10
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
2.3 mi · 3 min · Avenue of the Saints
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
1341 ft · 33 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
26.8 mi · 32 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Central Ave
1413 ft · 38 sec
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14
Turn right onto North Central Avenue
2899 ft · 1 min · North Central Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Burlington.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
IA 5 South
Merge slight left
77.6 mi · 01h 30m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving West Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Burlington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Burlington?
The road trip is about 173.3 miles (278.9 km) and usually takes 03h 25m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Chillicothe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.6 miles from West Des Moines and 86.8 miles from Burlington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 145.2 miles (233.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.08 one way or $46.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around West Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Burlington.
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 Des Moines and Burlington. Straight-line distance: 145.18 mi (233.65 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 Burlington
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 24,516 |
| Coordinates | 40.8075400, -91.1129200 |
| Altitude | 185 |
| Country | United States |
End: Burlington (-91.11292, 40.80754)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 279 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.08 | $46.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.03 | $52.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.48 | $56.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.46 | $64.92 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.