How far is West Des Moines, IA from Eldridge, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Eldridge, IA is about 174.7 miles (281.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 161.6 miles (260.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 34m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 17m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Human settlement in Iowa County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Eldridge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Eldridge.
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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
157.4 mi · 2 hr 51 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 61 North: Eldridge, DeWitt
1744 ft · 42 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto North Brady Street
3.8 mi · 5 min · North Brady Street
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12
Take the exit slight right
1827 ft · 51 sec
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13
Turn left onto East Leclaire Road
1.3 km · 2 min · East Leclaire Road
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14
Turn right onto North 1st Street
961 ft · 38 sec · North 1st Street
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15
Turn left onto West Franklin Street
98 m · 13 sec · West Franklin Street
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16
Turn right onto North 2nd Street
86 m · 12 sec · North 2nd Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Eldridge.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 East
Merge slight left
157 mi · 02h 51m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny leaving West Des Moines and Sunny near Eldridge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Eldridge?
The road trip is about 174.7 miles (281.1 km) and usually takes 03h 17m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Ladora is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.1 miles from West Des Moines and 87.6 miles from Eldridge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 161.6 miles (260.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:26 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.23 one way or $46.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around West Des Moines and Sunny near Eldridge.
Stop Ideas Near Ladora
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 Ladora.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Eldridge. Straight-line distance: 161.59 mi (260.06 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 Eldridge
City in Scott County Iowa
| Population | 6,864 |
| Coordinates | 41.6580900, -90.5845800 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
End: Eldridge (-90.58458, 41.65809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 281 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.23 | $46.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.20 | $52.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.67 | $57.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.67 | $65.35 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.