How far is West Des Moines, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 7.4 miles (11.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 5.5 miles (8.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 24m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 12m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Polk County, 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 Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Des Moines.
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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
3.8 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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8
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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9
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Des Moines.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
John MacVicar Freeway
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
3.81 mi · 00h 05m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving West Des Moines and Sunny near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 7.4 miles (11.9 km) and usually takes 00h 12m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Windsor Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 3.4 miles from West Des Moines and 4 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 5.5 miles (8.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $0.98 one way or $1.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 2.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around West Des Moines and Sunny near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Windsor Heights
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 Windsor Heights.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 5.52 mi (8.89 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 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
End: East University Avenue (-93.609114, 41.600425)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 12 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $0.98 | $1.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $1.11 | $2.21 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $1.21 | $2.42 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $1.38 | $2.76 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.