How far is West Des Moines, IA from Garner, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Garner, IA is about 118 miles (189.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.5 miles (169.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 55m 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 27m.
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
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Garner.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Garner.
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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
54.3 mi · 59 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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9
Merge slight left
3.3 mi · 4 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 69
1984 ft · 51 sec
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11
Turn right onto Little Wall Lake Road
19.5 mi · 27 min · Little Wall Lake Road
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12
Turn right onto 220th Street
1.3 km · 1 min · 220th Street
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13
Turn straight
12.3 mi · 17 min
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14
Continue straight
13.6 mi · 19 min
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15
At the end of the road, turn right
1 km · 1 min
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16
Turn right onto State Street
1270 ft · 42 sec · State Street
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17
Turn left onto East 3rd Street
21 m · 2 sec · East 3rd Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Garner.
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
54.3 mi · 00h 59m
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 Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny near Garner.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Garner?
The road trip is about 118 miles (189.9 km) and usually takes 02h 27m 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 miles from West Des Moines and 59 miles from Garner.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.5 miles (169.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.5 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 1:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.69 one way or $31.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around West Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny near Garner.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Garner. Straight-line distance: 105.53 mi (169.84 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 Garner
Town in Hancock County, Iowa
| Population | 3,031 |
| Coordinates | 43.1024600, -93.6018800 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| Country | United States |
End: Garner (-93.60188, 43.10246)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 190 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.69 | $31.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.69 | $35.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.36 | $38.72 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.06 | $44.13 |
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.