How far is West Des Moines, IA from Hudson, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Hudson, IA is about 108.4 miles (174.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 86.2 miles (138.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 47m 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 23m.
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 Marshal County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Hudson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Hudson.
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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
3.4 mi · 4 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
2428 ft · 1 min
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11
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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12
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
33.5 mi · 39 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
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13
Take the exit right
2792 ft · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
20.8 mi · 24 min · Lincoln Highway
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15
Take the exit slight left
1.8 mi · 3 min
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16
Turn sharp left onto South County Road
1.2 mi · 2 min · South County Road
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17
Continue on J Avenue
11.8 mi · 18 min · J Avenue
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18
At the end of the road, turn right
21.2 mi · 30 min
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19
Turn left onto South Hudson Road
1 km · 1 min · South Hudson Road
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20
Turn right onto Eldora Road
1432 ft · 1 min · Eldora Road
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21
Turn left onto 5th Street
26 m · 2 sec · 5th Street
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22
Turn right onto North Jefferson Street
16 m · 2 sec · North Jefferson Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jefferson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Hudson.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Northeast Hubbell Road
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
33.5 mi · 00h 39m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving West Des Moines and Sunny near Hudson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Hudson?
The road trip is about 108.4 miles (174.4 km) and usually takes 02h 23m 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?
Marshalltown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 54.1 miles from West Des Moines and 54.2 miles from Hudson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 86.2 miles (138.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.2 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 1:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.41 one way or $28.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around West Des Moines and Sunny near Hudson.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Hudson. Straight-line distance: 86.27 mi (138.84 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 Hudson
City in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,473 |
| Coordinates | 42.4066500, -92.4554700 |
| Altitude | 275 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hudson (-92.45547, 42.40665)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 174 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.41 | $28.81 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.25 | $32.49 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.78 | $35.56 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.26 | $40.52 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.