How far is West Des Moines, IA from Storm Lake, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Storm Lake, IA is about 145.1 miles (233.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.3 miles (171.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 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 03h 12m.
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 Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Storm Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Storm Lake.
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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
2.3 mi · 3 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North, I 80 East: Minneapolis, Chicago
2325 ft · 57 sec · Ramp 72 E
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7
Merge slight left onto I-35 north, I-80 east: Chicago, Minneapolis
3.4 mi · 4 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IA 141 West: Grimes
1.3 km · 2 min
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9
Merge slight left onto Southeast Grimes Boulevard
2.3 mi · 3 min · Southeast Grimes Boulevard
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10
Continue on Northeast Grimes Boulevard
1.6 km · 1 min · Northeast Grimes Boulevard
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11
Continue on Northwest 114th Street
2.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 114th Street
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12
Continue on Northwest Granger Drive
15.6 mi · 19 min · Northwest Granger Drive
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13
Take the exit straight toward US 169: Ogden, Adel
1910 ft · 55 sec
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14
Turn right onto N Avenue
1.8 mi · 2 min · N Avenue
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15
Continue on H Avenue
11.6 mi · 16 min · H Avenue
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16
Take the exit right
1363 ft · 38 sec
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17
Merge slight left onto 220th Street
4.1 mi · 6 min · 220th Street
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18
Turn right onto D Avenue
12.1 mi · 17 min · D Avenue
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19
Continue on Paragon Avenue
4 mi · 6 min · Paragon Avenue
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20
Turn left onto 360th Street
4 mi · 6 min · 360th Street
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21
Turn right onto Lainson Avenue
12.3 mi · 17 min · Lainson Avenue
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22
Turn left onto US 20 West
1823 ft · 50 sec
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23
Merge slight left
49.4 mi · 57 min
-
24
Take the exit slight right toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake
1974 ft · 57 sec
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25
Turn right
10.9 mi · 15 min
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26
Turn left
3.1 mi · 7 min
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27
Continue on Grand Avenue
942 ft · 40 sec · Grand Avenue
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28
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Storm Lake.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
US 20 West
Merge slight left
49.4 mi · 00h 57m
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 then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving West Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Storm Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Storm Lake?
The road trip is about 145.1 miles (233.5 km) and usually takes 03h 12m 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?
Harcourt is a useful midpoint, sitting about 72.5 miles from West Des Moines and 72.6 miles from Storm Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 106.3 miles (171.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 38.8 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 10:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.31 one way or $38.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around West Des Moines and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Storm Lake.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Storm Lake. Straight-line distance: 106.31 mi (171.09 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 Storm Lake
City in Iowa
| Population | 10,438 |
| Coordinates | 42.6410900, -95.2097200 |
| Altitude | 433 |
| Country | United States |
End: Storm Lake (-95.20972, 42.64109)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 233 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.31 | $38.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.78 | $43.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.83 | $47.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.16 | $54.31 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.