How far is West Des Moines, IA from Eldora, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Eldora, IA is about 85.1 miles (137 km), with a travel time of about 01h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 62.6 miles (100.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 38m 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 01h 49m.
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 Story County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Eldora.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Eldora.
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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
44.4 mi · 49 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IA 175: Jewell, Eldora
1640 ft · 41 sec
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9
Turn right onto 330th Street
5.4 mi · 8 min · 330th Street
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10
Continue on State Highway 175
7.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 175
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11
Turn sharp left
3.6 mi · 5 min
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12
Turn straight
2.6 mi · 4 min
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13
Turn straight onto State Highway 175
6.9 mi · 10 min · State Highway 175
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14
Continue on Edgington Avenue
1.4 mi · 3 min · Edgington Avenue
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15
Turn left onto Washington Street
21 m · 2 sec · Washington Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Eldora.
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
44.4 mi · 00h 49m
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 Likely leaving West Des Moines and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Eldora.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Eldora?
The road trip is about 85.1 miles (137 km) and usually takes 01h 49m 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?
Gilbert is a useful midpoint, sitting about 42.6 miles from West Des Moines and 42.6 miles from Eldora.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 62.6 miles (100.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.5 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 2:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.31 one way or $22.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around West Des Moines and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Eldora.
Stop Ideas Near Gilbert
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 Gilbert.
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Eldora. Straight-line distance: 62.6 mi (100.74 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 Eldora
City in Hardin County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,571 |
| Coordinates | 42.3608200, -93.0996500 |
| Altitude | 331 |
| Country | United States |
End: Eldora (-93.09965, 42.36082)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 137 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.31 | $22.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.76 | $25.52 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.96 | $27.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.91 | $31.82 |
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.