How far is West Des Moines, IA from Nora Springs, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Nora Springs, IA is about 134.4 miles (216.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 114 miles (183.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 11m 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 35m.
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 Hamilton 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 Nora Springs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Nora Springs.
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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
101.7 mi · 1 hr 50 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
1 mi · 2 min
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9
Merge slight left
15.8 mi · 18 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward CR S70: Nora Springs
1887 ft · 53 sec
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11
Turn left onto Zinnia Avenue
1.8 mi · 4 min · Zinnia Avenue
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12
Turn right onto West Drive
2695 ft · 1 min · West Drive
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13
Turn left onto South Hooker Avenue
138 m · 24 sec · South Hooker Avenue
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14
Turn right onto West Congress Street
2624 ft · 58 sec · West Congress Street
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15
Turn left onto Iowa Avenue
2 m · 1 sec · Iowa Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Iowa Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Nora Springs.
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
102 mi · 01h 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.
Sunny leaving West Des Moines and Sunny near Nora Springs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Nora Springs?
The road trip is about 134.4 miles (216.3 km) and usually takes 02h 35m 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?
Williams is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.2 miles from West Des Moines and 67.2 miles from Nora Springs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 114 miles (183.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.4 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 1:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.87 one way or $35.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around West Des Moines and Sunny near Nora Springs.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Nora Springs. Straight-line distance: 114.03 mi (183.51 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 Nora Springs
City in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,342 |
| Coordinates | 43.1427500, -93.0043700 |
| Altitude | 331 |
| Country | United States |
End: Nora Springs (-93.00437, 43.14275)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 216 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.87 | $35.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.16 | $40.32 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.06 | $44.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.14 | $50.28 |
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.