How far is West Des Moines, IA from Le Claire, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Le Claire, IA is about 181.8 miles (292.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 174 miles (280.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 50m 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 25m.
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Le Claire.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Le Claire.
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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
167.8 mi · 3 hr 3 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 67: LeClaire, Bettendorf
2799 ft · 55 sec
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11
Turn left onto South Cody Road
1.8 mi · 4 min · South Cody Road
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12
Turn right onto Jones Street
14 m · 2 sec · Jones Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Jones Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Le Claire.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 East
Merge slight left
168 mi · 03h 03m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving West Des Moines and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Le Claire.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Le Claire?
The road trip is about 181.8 miles (292.5 km) and usually takes 03h 25m 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?
Williamsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.7 miles from West Des Moines and 91.1 miles from Le Claire.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 174 miles (280.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.17 one way or $48.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around West Des Moines and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Le Claire.
Stop Ideas Near Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Le Claire. Straight-line distance: 174.04 mi (280.09 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 Le Claire
City in Scott County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 3,955 |
| Coordinates | 41.5986400, -90.3434600 |
| Altitude | 180 |
| Country | United States |
End: Le Claire (-90.34346, 41.59864)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 292 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.17 | $48.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.26 | $54.52 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.83 | $59.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.00 | $68.00 |
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 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.