How far is West Des Moines, IA from Gilbert, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, IA is about 47.2 miles (75.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.7 miles (59.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 04m 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 02m.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Gilbert.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Gilbert.
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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
25.1 mi · 28 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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9
Turn left onto East 13th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · East 13th Street
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10
Turn right onto Dayton Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · Dayton Avenue
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11
Turn left onto East Riverside Road
2.2 mi · 3 min · East Riverside Road
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12
At the end of the road, turn right onto Grand Avenue
2.8 mi · 4 min · Grand Avenue
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13
Turn left onto 170th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · 170th Street
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14
Continue on East Mathews Drive
157 m · 14 sec · East Mathews Drive
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Mathews Drive
35 m · 3 sec · Mathews Drive
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16
Exit the roundabout onto Mathews Drive
2644 ft · 1 min · Mathews Drive
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 170th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Gilbert.
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
25.1 mi · 00h 28m
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 leaving West Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Gilbert.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Gilbert?
The road trip is about 47.2 miles (75.9 km) and usually takes 01h 02m 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?
Alleman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.5 miles from West Des Moines and 23.5 miles from Gilbert.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36.7 miles (59.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.5 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 4:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.26 one way or $12.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around West Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Gilbert.
Stop Ideas Near Alleman
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 Alleman.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Gilbert. Straight-line distance: 36.74 mi (59.12 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 Gilbert
City in Story County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,152 |
| Coordinates | 42.1069300, -93.6496600 |
| Altitude | 302 |
| Country | United States |
End: Gilbert (-93.64966, 42.10693)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 76 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.26 | $12.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.06 | $14.12 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.73 | $15.45 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.80 | $17.61 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.