How far is West Des Moines, IA from Fairfax, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Fairfax, IA is about 119.9 miles (193 km), with a travel time of about 02h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 102.3 miles (164.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 45m 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 22m.
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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Fairfax.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Fairfax.
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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
86.5 mi · 1 hr 33 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 151 North, CR W21 South: Amana Colonies
1421 ft · 42 sec
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11
Turn left onto U Avenue
5.6 mi · 8 min · U Avenue
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12
Continue straight
15.7 mi · 22 min
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13
Turn right onto Church Street
765 ft · 39 sec · Church Street
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14
Turn left onto Vanderbilt Street
135 m · 20 sec · Vanderbilt Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vanderbilt Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Fairfax.
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
86.5 mi · 01h 33m
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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Fairfax.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Fairfax?
The road trip is about 119.9 miles (193 km) and usually takes 02h 22m 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?
Malcom is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.8 miles from West Des Moines and 60.1 miles from Fairfax.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 102.3 miles (164.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.6 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 1:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.95 one way or $31.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around West Des Moines and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Fairfax.
Stop Ideas Near Malcom
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 Malcom.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Fairfax. Straight-line distance: 102.27 mi (164.59 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 Fairfax
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,934 |
| Coordinates | 41.9194500, -91.7810100 |
| Altitude | 236 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairfax (-91.78101, 41.91945)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 193 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 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 | $15.95 | $31.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.99 | $35.98 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.69 | $39.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.44 | $44.87 |
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.