How far is West Des Moines, IA from Central City, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Central City, IA is about 144.1 miles (231.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 120.5 miles (194 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 53m 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 56m.
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 Iowa, United States
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 Central City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Central City.
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1
Start on Vine Street
1051 ft · 33 sec · Vine Street
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2
Turn left onto 4th Street
1949 ft · 56 sec · 4th Street
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3
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Grand Avenue
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4
Turn left onto 56th Street
1 km · 1 min · 56th Street
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5
Take the ramp right toward I-235 east
1656 ft · 40 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
8.8 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
1476 ft · 36 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1628 ft · 40 sec
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9
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
2428 ft · 1 min
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11
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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12
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
33.5 mi · 39 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
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13
Take the exit right
2792 ft · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
37 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway
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15
Continue on 73rd Street
26.8 mi · 31 min · 73rd Street
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16
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
1.6 km · 2 min
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17
Continue straight
9.4 mi · 11 min
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18
Keep slight right to continue on Collins Road Northeast
5.9 mi · 8 min · Collins Road Northeast
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19
Turn left
13 mi · 16 min
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20
Turn right onto West Maple Street
911 ft · 31 sec · West Maple Street
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21
Continue on West Main Street
1254 ft · 51 sec · West Main Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Central City.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Lincoln Highway
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
37 mi · 00h 43m
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 Central City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Central City?
The road trip is about 144.1 miles (231.9 km) and usually takes 02h 56m 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?
Toledo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 72 miles from West Des Moines and 72.1 miles from Central City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 120.5 miles (194 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.6 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 12:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.16 one way or $38.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around West Des Moines and Sunny near Central City.
Stop Ideas Near Toledo
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 Toledo.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Central City. Straight-line distance: 120.54 mi (193.99 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 Central City
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,296 |
| Coordinates | 42.2038800, -91.5240600 |
| Altitude | 254 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central City (-91.52406, 42.20388)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 232 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.16 | $38.31 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.61 | $43.21 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.64 | $47.28 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.94 | $53.89 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.