How far is West Des Moines, IA from Washington, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Washington, IA is about 119.2 miles (191.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.3 miles (171.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 17m 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 38m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Washington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Washington.
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1
Start on Vine Street
2147 ft · 1 min · Vine Street
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2
Turn right onto Southwest 63rd Street;1st Street
2.5 mi · 4 min · Southwest 63rd Street;1st Street
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3
Continue on State Highway 28
2.2 mi · 3 min · State Highway 28
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4
Take the ramp slight right
2701 ft · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
8.1 mi · 9 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
19 mi · 23 min
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7
Turn left
58.1 mi · 1 hr 15 min
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8
Continue on State Highway 92
24.7 mi · 36 min · State Highway 92
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9
Turn right
2 mi · 3 min
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10
Turn left onto West 5th Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West 5th Street
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11
Turn right onto North Marion Avenue
1469 ft · 1 min · North Marion Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Marion Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines and Washington.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn left
58.1 mi · 01h 15m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving West Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Washington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Des Moines to Washington?
The road trip is about 119.2 miles (191.8 km) and usually takes 02h 38m 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?
Leighton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.5 miles from West Des Moines and 59.7 miles from Washington.
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 12.9 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 1:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.88 one way or $31.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around West Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Washington.
Stop Ideas Near Leighton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1882 City Hall and Fire Station
Pella City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Leighton.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Washington. Straight-line distance: 106.29 mi (171.06 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 Washington
City in Washington County, Kansas
| Population | 1,131 |
| Coordinates | 41.2991800, -91.6929400 |
| Altitude | 232 |
| Country | United States |
End: Washington (-91.69294, 41.29918)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 192 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.88 | $31.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.91 | $35.81 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.59 | $39.19 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.33 | $44.66 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.