How far is West Des Moines, IA from University Heights, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to University Heights, IA is about 118 miles (189.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 111.4 miles (179.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 33m 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 16m.
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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and University Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and University Heights.
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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
100.4 mi · 1 hr 48 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
2413 ft · 59 sec
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11
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 South, IA 27 South: Mount Pleasant, Keokuk
2271 ft · 55 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
2.5 mi · 3 min · Avenue of the Saints
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13
Take the exit slight right
1810 ft · 46 sec
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14
Turn left onto Melrose Avenue
2.1 mi · 5 min · Melrose Avenue
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15
Turn right onto Sunset Street
79 m · 14 sec · Sunset Street
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16
Turn left onto Koser Avenue
761 ft · 35 sec · Koser Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Koser Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and University Heights.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 East
Merge slight left
100 mi · 01h 48m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving West Des Moines and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near University Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to University Heights?
The road trip is about 118 miles (189.9 km) and usually takes 02h 16m 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?
Grinnell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.8 miles from West Des Moines and 59.2 miles from University Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 111.4 miles (179.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.6 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 1:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.69 one way or $31.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37 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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near University Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Grinnell
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 Grinnell.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and University Heights. Straight-line distance: 111.42 mi (179.31 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 University Heights
Town in Johnson County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,025 |
| Coordinates | 41.6550200, -91.5568400 |
| Altitude | 233 |
| Country | United States |
End: University Heights (-91.55684, 41.65502)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 190 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.69 | $31.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.69 | $35.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.36 | $38.72 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.06 | $44.13 |
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.