How far is West Des Moines, IA from Clear Lake, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Clear Lake, IA is about 119.1 miles (191.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 109.2 miles (175.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 28m 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 14m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Clear Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Clear Lake.
-
1
Start on Vine Street
1051 ft · 33 sec · Vine Street
-
2
Turn left onto 4th Street
1949 ft · 56 sec · 4th Street
-
3
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Grand Avenue
-
4
Turn left onto 56th Street
1 km · 1 min · 56th Street
-
5
Take the ramp right toward I-235 east
1656 ft · 40 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
10.3 mi · 13 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
7
Continue straight
104.8 mi · 1 hr 53 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business, CR B35: Clear Lake, Mason City
1386 ft · 40 sec
-
9
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.2 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
-
10
Turn right onto South 8th Street
1671 ft · 34 sec · South 8th Street
-
11
Turn left onto 1st Avenue North
57 m · 14 sec · 1st Avenue North
-
12
Turn left onto North 6th Street
24 m · 4 sec · North 6th Street
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Clear 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
Continue straight
105 mi · 01h 53m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving West Des Moines and Partly Sunny near Clear 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 Clear Lake?
The road trip is about 119.1 miles (191.7 km) and usually takes 02h 14m 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?
Ellsworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.6 miles from West Des Moines and 59.5 miles from Clear Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 109.2 miles (175.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.9 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 2:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.84 one way or $31.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around West Des Moines and Partly Sunny near Clear Lake.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Clear Lake. Straight-line distance: 109.16 mi (175.68 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 Clear Lake
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 7,517 |
| Coordinates | 43.1380200, -93.3793700 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clear Lake (-93.37937, 43.13802)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 192 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.84 | $31.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.86 | $35.73 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.55 | $39.09 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.28 | $44.55 |
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 · May 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.