How far is West Des Moines, IA from Tama, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Tama, IA is about 74.6 miles (120 km), with a travel time of about 01h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 64.4 miles (103.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 06m 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 01h 33m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Areas Of Frost then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Tama.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Tama.
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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
8.8 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
1476 ft · 36 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1628 ft · 40 sec
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9
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
2428 ft · 1 min
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11
Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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12
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
33.5 mi · 39 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
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13
Take the exit right
2792 ft · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway
22.2 mi · 26 min · Lincoln Highway
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15
Take the exit slight right
2562 ft · 1 min
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16
Turn right onto South County Road
1327 ft · 22 sec · South County Road
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17
Continue on Harding Street
2225 ft · 43 sec · Harding Street
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18
Turn left onto West 13th Street
1334 ft · 25 sec · West 13th Street
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19
Turn right onto State Street
1642 ft · 28 sec · State Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Tama.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Northeast Hubbell Road
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Road
33.5 mi · 00h 39m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving West Des Moines and Areas Of Frost then Partly Sunny near Tama.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Tama?
The road trip is about 74.6 miles (120 km) and usually takes 01h 33m 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?
Rhodes is a useful midpoint, sitting about 37.2 miles from West Des Moines and 37.3 miles from Tama.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 64.4 miles (103.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.2 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 3:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.92 one way or $19.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around West Des Moines and Areas Of Frost then Partly Sunny near Tama.
Stop Ideas Near Rhodes
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 Rhodes.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Tama. Straight-line distance: 64.36 mi (103.57 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 Tama
City in Tokyo, Japan
| Population | 2,723 |
| Coordinates | 41.9666600, -92.5768600 |
| Altitude | 257 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tama (-92.57686, 41.96666)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 120 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.92 | $19.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.19 | $22.37 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.24 | $24.48 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.95 | $27.90 |
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 · May 08, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.