How far is West Des Moines, IA from Indianola, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Indianola, IA is about 21.9 miles (35.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 17.1 miles (27.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 07m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 33m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Warren and Polk counties in the U.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Indianola.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Indianola.
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1
Start on Vine Street
2147 ft · 1 min · Vine Street
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2
Turn right onto Southwest 63rd Street;1st Street
2.5 mi · 4 min · Southwest 63rd Street;1st Street
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3
Continue on State Highway 28
2.2 mi · 3 min · State Highway 28
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4
Take the ramp slight right
2701 ft · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
5.6 mi · 6 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 South, US 69 South: Indianola
3210 ft · 1 min
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7
Turn straight onto Southridge Boulevard
10 mi · 16 min · Southridge Boulevard
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8
Turn left onto East 2nd Avenue
89 m · 7 sec · East 2nd Avenue
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9
Turn right
24 m · 6 sec
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Indianola.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Southridge Boulevard
Turn straight onto Southridge Boulevard
10 mi · 00h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Rain Showers leaving West Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Indianola.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Indianola?
The road trip is about 21.9 miles (35.2 km) and usually takes 00h 33m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Carlisle is a useful midpoint, sitting about 10.9 miles from West Des Moines and 10.9 miles from Indianola.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 17.1 miles (27.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.8 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.90 one way or $5.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around West Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Indianola.
Stop Ideas Near Carlisle
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 Carlisle.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Indianola. Straight-line distance: 17.11 mi (27.54 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 Indianola
City in Mississippi
| Population | 16,072 |
| Coordinates | 41.3580500, -93.5574400 |
| Altitude | 295 |
| Country | United States |
End: Indianola (-93.55744, 41.35805)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 35 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.90 | $5.81 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.27 | $6.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $3.58 | $7.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $4.08 | $8.17 |
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.