How far is West Des Moines, IA from Shenandoah, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Shenandoah, IA is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 103 miles (165.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 47m 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 53m.
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.
Human settlement in Audubon County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Shenandoah.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Shenandoah.
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1
Start on Vine Street
143 m · 15 sec · Vine Street
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2
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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3
Continue on 73rd Street
1465 ft · 36 sec · 73rd Street
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4
Take the ramp left toward I-235 west
1686 ft · 41 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Merge slight right
82 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 59: Avoca, Harlan
1824 ft · 35 sec
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8
Turn straight
14 mi · 21 min
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9
Turn right
38.8 mi · 55 min
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10
Turn left onto West Sheridan Avenue
1.1 km · 2 min · West Sheridan Avenue
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11
Turn right onto South Blossom Street
30 m · 10 sec · South Blossom Street
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12
Turn left onto West Clarinda Avenue
33 m · 5 sec · West Clarinda Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Clarinda Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Shenandoah.
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
82 mi · 01h 28m
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.
Mostly Cloudy leaving West Des Moines and Sunny near Shenandoah.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Shenandoah?
The road trip is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km) and usually takes 02h 53m 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?
Brayton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.3 miles from West Des Moines and 70.5 miles from Shenandoah.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 103 miles (165.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 37.9 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 12:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.74 one way or $37.48 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around West Des Moines and Sunny near Shenandoah.
Stop Ideas Near Brayton
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 Brayton.
Creston
Omaha
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Shenandoah. Straight-line distance: 102.99 mi (165.74 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 Shenandoah
Town in Page County, Virginia, United States
| Population | 4,783 |
| Coordinates | 40.7655500, -95.3722100 |
| Altitude | 299 |
| Country | United States |
End: Shenandoah (-95.37221, 40.76555)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 227 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.74 | $37.48 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.14 | $42.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.13 | $46.26 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.36 | $52.72 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.