How far is West Des Moines, IA from Nashua, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Nashua, IA is about 149.8 miles (241 km), with a travel time of about 03h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 112.4 miles (180.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 14m 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 07m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Nashua.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Nashua.
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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
10.3 mi · 13 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Continue straight
77.1 mi · 1 hr 24 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IA 3: Hampton, Clarion
2550 ft · 1 min
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9
Turn right onto State Highway 3
8.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
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10
Continue on Central Avenue West
2.1 mi · 4 min · Central Avenue West
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11
Continue on State Highway 3
8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 3
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12
Continue on 210th Street
1.8 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
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13
Continue on South Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Street
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14
Continue on 210th Street
7.4 mi · 10 min · 210th Street
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15
Continue on State Highway 3
1 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
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16
Continue on 210th Street
6.5 mi · 9 min · 210th Street
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17
Turn left onto State Highway 188
1.8 mi · 3 min · State Highway 188
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18
Continue on South Main Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
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19
Continue on Spring Avenue
4 mi · 6 min · Spring Avenue
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20
Turn right onto 140th Street
6.6 mi · 10 min · 140th Street
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21
Take the ramp left
2081 ft · 57 sec
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22
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
6.6 mi · 8 min · Avenue of the Saints
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23
Take the exit slight right
2050 ft · 57 sec
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24
Turn right onto Sample Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Sample Street
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25
Turn right onto Main Street
612 ft · 27 sec · Main Street
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26
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 Nashua.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
John MacVicar Freeway
Continue straight
77.1 mi · 01h 24m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving West Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Nashua.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Nashua?
The road trip is about 149.8 miles (241 km) and usually takes 03h 07m 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?
Williams is a useful midpoint, sitting about 74.8 miles from West Des Moines and 74.9 miles from Nashua.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 112.4 miles (180.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 37.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.91 one way or $39.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around West Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Nashua.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Nashua. Straight-line distance: 112.44 mi (180.95 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 Nashua
City in Chickasaw and Floyd counties in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,571 |
| Coordinates | 42.9527500, -92.5363000 |
| Altitude | 297 |
| Country | United States |
End: Nashua (-92.5363, 42.95275)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 241 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.91 | $39.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.46 | $44.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.57 | $49.15 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.01 | $56.01 |
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.