How far is West Des Moines, IA from Keokuk, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Keokuk, IA is about 188.7 miles (303.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 146.1 miles (235.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 32m 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 46m.
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.
City in Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Keokuk.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Keokuk.
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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
8.1 mi · 9 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
19 mi · 23 min
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7
Turn left
32.3 mi · 36 min
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8
Take the exit right
2173 ft · 53 sec
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9
Merge slight left
77.6 mi · 1 hr 30 min
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10
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
26.5 mi · 31 min · Avenue of the Saints
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 South: Keokuk
1957 ft · 53 sec
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12
Turn left
9.6 mi · 14 min
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13
Turn right
5.7 mi · 7 min
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14
Continue on Main Street
3.5 mi · 6 min · Main Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Keokuk.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
IA 5 South
Merge slight left
77.6 mi · 01h 30m
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.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers leaving West Des Moines and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Keokuk.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Keokuk?
The road trip is about 188.7 miles (303.7 km) and usually takes 03h 46m 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?
Ottumwa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94.3 miles from West Des Moines and 94.4 miles from Keokuk.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 146.1 miles (235.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.6 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 9:28 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.11 one way or $50.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers around West Des Moines and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Keokuk.
Stop Ideas Near Ottumwa
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 Ottumwa.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Fort Madison station
La Plata
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Keokuk. Straight-line distance: 146.17 mi (235.24 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 Keokuk
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 10,090 |
| Coordinates | 40.3972700, -91.3848700 |
| Altitude | 174 |
| Country | United States |
End: Keokuk (-91.38487, 40.39727)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 304 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.11 | $50.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.32 | $56.65 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.00 | $61.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.32 | $70.65 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.