How far is Winterset, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Winterset, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 37 miles (59.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28 miles (45.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 22m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 41m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Township in Dallas County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Winterset and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winterset and Des Moines.
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1
Start on West Grade Street
38 m · 11 sec · West Grade Street
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2
Turn left onto South John Wayne Drive
3.5 mi · 7 min · South John Wayne Drive
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3
Continue straight
11.2 mi · 16 min
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4
Take the ramp right
2023 ft · 49 sec
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5
Merge slight left
12.1 mi · 13 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
8.9 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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8
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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9
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winterset and Des Moines.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
South John Wayne Drive
Merge slight left
12.1 mi · 00h 13m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Winterset and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Winterset to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 37 miles (59.5 km) and usually takes 00h 41m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Van Meter is a useful midpoint, sitting about 18.5 miles from Winterset and 18.5 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28 miles (45.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.90 one way or $9.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Winterset and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Van Meter
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 Van Meter.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Winterset and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 28.04 mi (45.13 km).
#1 Winterset
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,428 |
| Coordinates | 41.3308200, -94.0138400 |
| Altitude | 332 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
End: East University Avenue (-93.609114, 41.600425)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 59 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.90 | $9.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.53 | $11.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.05 | $12.10 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.90 | $13.79 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.