How far is West Des Moines, IA from Charles City, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Charles City, IA is about 152 miles (244.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115.8 miles (186.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 50m 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 55m.
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 located in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Charles City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Charles 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
10.3 mi · 13 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Continue straight
101.7 mi · 1 hr 50 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
1 mi · 2 min
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9
Merge slight left
32.9 mi · 38 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 Business, CR B35: Charles City
1513 ft · 43 sec
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11
Turn left onto 185th Street
1559 ft · 24 sec · 185th Street
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12
Turn straight onto Gilbert Street
2.5 mi · 5 min · Gilbert Street
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13
Turn left onto Main Street
1198 ft · 39 sec · Main Street
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14
Turn right onto Clark Street
1319 ft · 34 sec · Clark Street
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15
Turn left onto Brantingham Street
789 ft · 24 sec · Brantingham Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Charles City.
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
Continue straight
102 mi · 01h 50m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving West Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Charles 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 Charles City?
The road trip is about 152 miles (244.6 km) and usually takes 02h 55m 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?
Oakland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76 miles from West Des Moines and 76 miles from Charles City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115.8 miles (186.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.2 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 12:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.21 one way or $40.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around West Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Charles City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Charles City. Straight-line distance: 115.77 mi (186.31 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 Charles City
City in Iowa
| Population | 7,307 |
| Coordinates | 43.0663600, -92.6724100 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| Country | United States |
End: Charles City (-92.67241, 43.06636)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 245 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.21 | $40.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.80 | $45.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.95 | $49.89 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.43 | $56.86 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.