How far is West Des Moines, IA from Marengo, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Marengo, IA is about 95.2 miles (153.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 86 miles (138.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 51m 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 55m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Marengo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Marengo.
-
1
Start on Vine Street
1051 ft · 33 sec · Vine Street
-
2
Turn left onto 4th Street
1949 ft · 56 sec · 4th Street
-
3
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Grand Avenue
-
4
Turn left onto 56th Street
1 km · 1 min · 56th Street
-
5
Take the ramp right toward I-235 east
1656 ft · 40 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
8.8 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
1476 ft · 36 sec
-
8
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1628 ft · 40 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
63.7 mi · 1 hr 9 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward IA 21: Belle Plain, What Cheer
1356 ft · 36 sec
-
11
Turn right onto 220th Street
3.6 mi · 5 min · 220th Street
-
12
Turn right onto 380th Avenue
15.4 mi · 22 min · 380th Avenue
-
13
Turn left onto Western Avenue
2979 ft · 60 sec · Western Avenue
-
14
Turn right onto West Marion Street
951 ft · 47 sec · West Marion Street
-
15
Turn left
41 m · 10 sec
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Marengo.
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
63.7 mi · 01h 09m
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.
Sunny leaving West Des Moines and Sunny near Marengo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Marengo?
The road trip is about 95.2 miles (153.2 km) and usually takes 01h 55m 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?
Kellogg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.5 miles from West Des Moines and 47.7 miles from Marengo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 86 miles (138.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.2 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 2:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.67 one way or $25.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 29.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around West Des Moines and Sunny near Marengo.
Stop Ideas Near Kellogg
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 Kellogg.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Marengo. Straight-line distance: 86.02 mi (138.43 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 Marengo
Town and county of Iowa County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,466 |
| Coordinates | 41.7980600, -92.0707400 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| Country | United States |
End: Marengo (-92.07074, 41.79806)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 153 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.67 | $25.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.29 | $28.58 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.64 | $31.27 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.82 | $35.64 |
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.