How far is West Des Moines, IA from Leon, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Leon, IA is about 63.3 miles (101.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 57.9 miles (93.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 34m 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 01h 17m.
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 Warren County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Leon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Leon.
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1
Start on Vine Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Vine Street
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2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
4.1 mi · 8 min · Grand Avenue
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3
Take the ramp left toward DMACC West Campus
2028 ft · 50 sec
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4
Merge slight left
46.3 mi · 50 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward Webb
1651 ft · 46 sec
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6
Turn left onto 120th Street
1038 ft · 21 sec · 120th Street
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7
Continue on Line Street
1.2 km · 1 min · Line Street
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8
Continue on 120th Street
1.6 km · 2 min · 120th Street
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9
Turn right
9.4 mi · 13 min
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Northwest Church Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Leon.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
DMACC West Campus
Merge slight left
46.3 mi · 00h 50m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving West Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Leon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Leon?
The road trip is about 63.3 miles (101.8 km) and usually takes 01h 17m 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?
New Virginia is a useful midpoint, sitting about 31.6 miles from West Des Moines and 31.6 miles from Leon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 57.9 miles (93.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.4 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 3:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.41 one way or $16.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around West Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Leon.
Stop Ideas Near New Virginia
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 New Virginia.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Leon. Straight-line distance: 57.89 mi (93.17 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 Leon
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,808 |
| Coordinates | 40.7397200, -93.7477200 |
| Altitude | 343 |
| Country | United States |
End: Leon (-93.74772, 40.73972)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 102 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.41 | $16.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.48 | $18.97 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.38 | $20.76 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.83 | $23.66 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.