How far is West Des Moines, IA from Carter Lake, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Carter Lake, IA is about 133 miles (214.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 116 miles (186.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 03m 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 31m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Audubon County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Carter Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Carter Lake.
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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
94.8 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
23.7 mi · 26 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 29 North, I 80 West Local: Council Bluffs
2.9 mi · 3 min
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9
Continue on I 29 North: Sioux City
2 mi · 2 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 480 West, US 6 West
1.7 mi · 3 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward 14th Street, Old Market District, Creighton University
1472 ft · 40 sec
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12
Turn right onto North 14th Street
1994 ft · 1 min · North 14th Street
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13
Turn right onto Izard Street
1113 ft · 31 sec · Izard Street
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14
Continue on North 11th Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · North 11th Street
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15
Turn right onto East Locust Street
1 km · 2 min · East Locust Street
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16
Turn left onto North 9th Street
2043 ft · 1 min · North 9th Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 9th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Carter Lake.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
John MacVicar Freeway
Merge slight right
94.8 mi · 01h 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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving West Des Moines and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carter Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Carter Lake?
The road trip is about 133 miles (214.1 km) and usually takes 02h 31m 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?
Brayton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66.4 miles from West Des Moines and 66.7 miles from Carter Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 116 miles (186.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 17 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 1:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.69 one way or $35.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around West Des Moines and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carter Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Brayton
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 Brayton.
Creston
Omaha
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Carter Lake. Straight-line distance: 116.01 mi (186.7 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 Carter Lake
City in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,793 |
| Coordinates | 41.2905500, -95.9180700 |
| Altitude | 299 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carter Lake (-95.91807, 41.29055)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 214 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.69 | $35.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.95 | $39.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.83 | $43.65 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.88 | $49.75 |
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.