How far is West Des Moines, IA from Marion, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Marion, IA is about 128.6 miles (206.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 113.3 miles (182.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 24m 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 02h 12m.
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 Marshall County, 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 Marion.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Marion.
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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
3.4 mi · 4 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
2428 ft · 1 min
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11
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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12
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
33.5 mi · 39 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
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13
Take the exit right
2792 ft · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
37 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway
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15
Continue on 73rd Street
26.8 mi · 31 min · 73rd Street
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16
Take the exit slight right toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
1.6 km · 2 min
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17
Continue straight
9.4 mi · 11 min
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18
Keep slight right to continue on Collins Road Northeast
1.8 mi · 2 min · Collins Road Northeast
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19
Turn left onto 1st Avenue East
717 ft · 22 sec · 1st Avenue East
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20
Continue on Marion Boulevard
1 km · 1 min · Marion Boulevard
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21
Continue on 7th Avenue
1664 ft · 46 sec · 7th Avenue
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22
Turn left onto 6th Street
96 m · 18 sec · 6th Street
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23
Turn right onto 8th Avenue
1702 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Marion.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Lincoln Highway
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
37 mi · 00h 43m
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 Marion.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Marion?
The road trip is about 128.6 miles (206.9 km) and usually takes 02h 12m 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?
Le Grand is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63.9 miles from West Des Moines and 64.6 miles from Marion.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 113.3 miles (182.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.3 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 2:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.12 one way or $34.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around West Des Moines and Sunny near Marion.
Stop Ideas Near Le Grand
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 Le Grand.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Marion. Straight-line distance: 113.34 mi (182.41 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 Marion
The county seat of Linn County, Iowa.
| Population | 40,780 |
| Coordinates | 42.0341700, -91.5976800 |
| Altitude | 259 |
| Country | United States |
End: 8th Avenue (-91.59768, 42.03419)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 207 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.12 | $34.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.31 | $38.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.13 | $42.26 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.08 | $48.16 |
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 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.