How far is West Des Moines, IA from Sheldon, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Sheldon, IA is about 252.6 miles (406.5 km), with a travel time of about 04h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 155.8 miles (250.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 24m 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 04h 42m.
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 Harrison County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Sheldon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Sheldon.
-
1
Start on Vine Street
143 m · 15 sec · Vine Street
-
2
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
-
3
Continue on 73rd Street
1465 ft · 36 sec · 73rd Street
-
4
Take the ramp left toward I-235 west
1686 ft · 41 sec
-
5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
-
6
Merge slight right
94.8 mi · 1 hr 42 min
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 880 West: North Omaha, Sioux City
16.7 mi · 18 min
-
8
Keep slight right to continue on I 29 North: Sioux City
2271 ft · 39 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
72.2 mi · 1 hr 18 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East, US 75 North: Fort Dodge, Le Mars
1.2 km · 1 min
-
11
Merge slight left
30.1 mi · 36 min
-
12
Continue on IA 60 North: Sheldon
30.7 mi · 35 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward CR L26, IA 60 Business: 2nd Avenue
1660 ft · 44 sec
-
14
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue
1.5 mi · 3 min · 2nd Avenue
-
15
Turn right onto 9th Street
8 m · 1 sec · 9th Street
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 9th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Sheldon.
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
Merge slight right
94.8 mi · 01h 42m
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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Sheldon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Sheldon?
The road trip is about 252.6 miles (406.5 km) and usually takes 04h 42m 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?
Modale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 126.1 miles from West Des Moines and 126.4 miles from Sheldon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 155.8 miles (250.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 96.8 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 7:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $33.60 one way or $67.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 79.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around West Des Moines and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Sheldon.
Stop Ideas Near Modale
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 Modale.
Omaha
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Sheldon. Straight-line distance: 155.76 mi (250.67 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 Sheldon
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,071 |
| Coordinates | 43.1810900, -95.8561300 |
| Altitude | 435 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sheldon (-95.85613, 43.18109)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 406 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $33.60 | $67.20 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $37.89 | $75.79 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $41.47 | $82.93 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $47.26 | $94.52 |
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.