How far is West Des Moines, IA from Wapello, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Wapello, IA is about 167.6 miles (269.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.8 miles (215.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 35m 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 17m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Iowa County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Wapello.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Wapello.
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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
29.3 mi · 34 min · Avenue of the Saints
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13
Take the exit slight right
1847 ft · 53 sec
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14
Turn right onto State Highway 92
8.8 mi · 13 min · State Highway 92
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15
Continue on Oak Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Oak Street
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16
Continue on State Highway 92
8.1 mi · 12 min · State Highway 92
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17
Take the ramp right toward US 61 south: Burlington
1456 ft · 36 sec
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18
Merge slight left
6.5 mi · 7 min
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19
Turn left onto Franklin Street
2623 ft · 58 sec · Franklin Street
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20
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
676 ft · 30 sec · North 2nd Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Wapello.
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 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.
Mostly Sunny leaving West Des Moines and Mostly Sunny near Wapello.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Wapello?
The road trip is about 167.6 miles (269.7 km) and usually takes 03h 17m 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?
Ladora is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.6 miles from West Des Moines and 83.9 miles from Wapello.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.8 miles (215.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.8 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 10:24 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.29 one way or $44.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around West Des Moines and Mostly Sunny near Wapello.
Stop Ideas Near Ladora
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 Ladora.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Wapello. Straight-line distance: 133.77 mi (215.29 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 Wapello
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,999 |
| Coordinates | 41.1814200, -91.1854300 |
| Altitude | 177 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wapello (-91.18543, 41.18142)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 270 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.29 | $44.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.14 | $50.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.51 | $55.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.35 | $62.69 |
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 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.