How far is West Des Moines, IA from Glenwood, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Glenwood, IA is about 141.7 miles (228.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 111.6 miles (179.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 17m 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 38m.
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.
Human settlement in Cass County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Glenwood.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Glenwood.
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1
Start on Vine Street
143 m · 15 sec · Vine Street
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2
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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3
Continue on 73rd Street
1465 ft · 36 sec · 73rd Street
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4
Take the ramp left toward I-235 west
1686 ft · 41 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Merge slight right
94.8 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
23.5 mi · 25 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 29 South: Kansas City
1.1 mi · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left
12 mi · 13 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 34, US 275 South: South Bellevue, Glenwood
1809 ft · 44 sec
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11
Keep slight left
1.2 km · 2 min
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12
Merge slight left onto US Highway 34
2.8 mi · 4 min · US Highway 34
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13
Turn left onto Hilman Road
1.4 km · 2 min · Hilman Road
-
14
Continue on Sharp Street
2865 ft · 1 min · Sharp Street
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15
Turn left onto North Walnut Street
46 m · 9 sec · North Walnut Street
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16
Turn right
69 m · 17 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Glenwood.
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
Merge slight right
94.8 mi · 01h 42m
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.
Sunny leaving West Des Moines and Sunny near Glenwood.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Glenwood?
The road trip is about 141.7 miles (228.1 km) and usually takes 02h 38m 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?
Marne is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.7 miles from West Des Moines and 71 miles from Glenwood.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 111.6 miles (179.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.86 one way or $37.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around West Des Moines and Sunny near Glenwood.
Stop Ideas Near Marne
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 Marne.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Glenwood. Straight-line distance: 111.6 mi (179.6 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 Glenwood
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,261 |
| Coordinates | 41.0469400, -95.7425100 |
| Altitude | 310 |
| Country | United States |
End: Glenwood (-95.74251, 41.04694)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 228 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.86 | $37.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.27 | $42.53 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.27 | $46.54 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.52 | $53.04 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.