How far is West Des Moines, IA from Ida Grove, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Ida Grove, IA is about 149.4 miles (240.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.8 miles (168.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 06m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 03m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Ida Grove.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Ida Grove.
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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
82 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 59: Avoca, Harlan
1681 ft · 33 sec
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8
Turn right
59.7 mi · 1 hr 23 min
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9
Turn left
2 mi · 3 min
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10
Turn left onto Moorehead Avenue
2150 ft · 45 sec · Moorehead Avenue
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11
Turn right onto 2nd Street
34 m · 2 sec · 2nd Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Ida Grove.
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
82 mi · 01h 28m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving West Des Moines and Mostly Sunny near Ida Grove.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Ida Grove?
The road trip is about 149.4 miles (240.5 km) and usually takes 03h 03m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Marne is a useful midpoint, sitting about 74.6 miles from West Des Moines and 74.8 miles from Ida Grove.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.8 miles (168.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:54 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.87 one way or $39.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around West Des Moines and Mostly Sunny near Ida Grove.
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 Ida Grove. Straight-line distance: 104.85 mi (168.74 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 Ida Grove
City in Ida County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,037 |
| Coordinates | 42.3449900, -95.4716700 |
| Altitude | 376 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ida Grove (-95.47167, 42.34499)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 241 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.87 | $39.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.41 | $44.83 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.53 | $49.05 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.95 | $55.90 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.