How far is West Des Moines, IA from Sioux City, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Sioux City, IA is about 193.9 miles (312 km), with a travel time of about 02h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 152 miles (244.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 50m 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 55m.
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 Pottawattamie 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 Sioux City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Sioux City.
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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
94.8 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 880 West: North Omaha, Sioux City
16.7 mi · 18 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 29 North: Sioux City
2271 ft · 39 sec
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9
Merge slight left
75.3 mi · 1 hr 21 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Floyd Boulevard, Virginia Street
1582 ft · 43 sec
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11
Turn right onto South Floyd Boulevard
3174 ft · 1 min · South Floyd Boulevard
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12
Turn left onto 5th Street
121 m · 15 sec · 5th Street
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13
Turn right onto Iowa Street
105 m · 7 sec · Iowa Street
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14
Keep slight left to continue on 6th Street
130 m · 17 sec · 6th Street
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15
Turn right onto Court Street
1199 ft · 39 sec · Court Street
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16
Turn left onto 9th Street
990 ft · 46 sec · 9th Street
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17
Turn right
35 m · 9 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Sioux City.
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 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 Sioux City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Sioux City?
The road trip is about 193.9 miles (312 km) and usually takes 02h 55m 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?
Minden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 96.8 miles from West Des Moines and 97.1 miles from Sioux City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 152 miles (244.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 41.9 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 12:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.79 one way or $51.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 60.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around West Des Moines and Sunny near Sioux City.
Stop Ideas Near Minden
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 Minden.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Sioux City. Straight-line distance: 151.99 mi (244.61 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 Sioux City
The second most populous city in Iowa.
| Population | 82,651 |
| Coordinates | 42.4999900, -96.4003100 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-96.400135, 42.499991)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 312 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.79 | $51.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.09 | $58.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.83 | $63.67 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.28 | $72.56 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.