How far is West Des Moines, IA from Saint Ansgar, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Saint Ansgar, IA is about 156.2 miles (251.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 130.9 miles (210.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 15m 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 located in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Saint Ansgar.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Saint Ansgar.
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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
115.1 mi · 2 hr 4 min
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8
Take the exit slight right
2004 ft · 49 sec
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9
Turn right onto State Highway 9
6.9 mi · 9 min · State Highway 9
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10
Continue on West South Street
1 mi · 2 min · West South Street
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11
Continue on State Highway 9
9.4 mi · 13 min · State Highway 9
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12
Turn left onto Balsam Avenue
6 mi · 11 min · Balsam Avenue
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13
Turn right onto 420th Street
4 mi · 7 min · 420th Street
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14
At the end of the road, turn left onto Foothill Avenue
1132 ft · 23 sec · Foothill Avenue
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15
Continue on South Main Street
1280 ft · 48 sec · South Main Street
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16
Turn right onto West 4th Street
1735 ft · 1 min · West 4th Street
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17
Turn right onto Train Lane
18 m · 3 sec · Train Lane
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Train Lane
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Saint Ansgar.
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
115 mi · 02h 04m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving West Des Moines and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Saint Ansgar.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Saint Ansgar?
The road trip is about 156.2 miles (251.3 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?
Oakland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.1 miles from West Des Moines and 78 miles from Saint Ansgar.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 130.9 miles (210.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:44 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.78 one way or $41.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around West Des Moines and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Saint Ansgar.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Saint Ansgar. Straight-line distance: 130.83 mi (210.55 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 Saint Ansgar
City
| Population | 1,125 |
| Coordinates | 43.3783000, -92.9188100 |
| Altitude | 357 |
| Country | United States |
End: Saint Ansgar (-92.91881, 43.3783)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 251 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.78 | $41.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.43 | $46.87 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.64 | $51.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.23 | $58.45 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.