Origin
Emmetsburg, IA
Late night in Emmetsburg on Saturday
Local time
4:20 AM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Emmetsburg, IA to West Des Moines, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 26m
Distance
151.9 mi
244 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 14m
★
6 AM
3h 26m
8 AM
3h 51m
10 AM
3h 35m
12 PM
3h 33m
3 PM
3h 36m
5 PM
3h 50m
8 PM
3h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Emmetsburg, IA
Christiyana Krüger
West Des Moines, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Emmetsburg, IA to West Des Moines, IA covers 151.9 miles and takes about 3h 26m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 20, 220th Avenue, US 169 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 24.2 miles on US 20. At current regular gas prices, budget about $23.75 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
75.9 miles from Emmetsburg, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 42m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 26m. Total distance: 151.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile.
Drive Character
The drive from Emmetsburg, IA to West Des Moines, IA covers 151.9 miles and takes about 3h 26m, using a mix of highways and local roads.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 37 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 20 is the longest continuous segment at about 24.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 120.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 151.9 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 120.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 142.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 146.7 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
120.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 45m in
Take the exit toward IA 141 east: Urbandale
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward IA 141 east: Urbandale
7
142.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 12m in
Take the exit toward I-35 south, I-80 west: Kansas City, Council Bluffs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I-35 south, I-80 west: Kansas City, Coun...
6
146.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 18m in
|
I 35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
147 mi into trip
|
~3h 18m in
|
Ramp 72 I
Take the exit onto Ramp 72 I toward I 235 East: West Des Moines, Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 72A
Toward I 235 East: West Des Moines, Des Moines
8
150.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m in
Take the exit toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3
Toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Emmetsburg, IA to West Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Council Bluffs along the way.
Council Bluffs
142.7 mi in
|
~3h 12m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 20 | 24.2 mi | 27m |
| 220th Avenue | 22.6 mi | 30m |
| US 169 | 16.6 mi | 23m |
| Northwest Granger Drive | 15.6 mi | 18m |
| 460th Avenue | 13 mi | 17m |
| Lainson Avenue | 12.2 mi | 16m |
| H Avenue | 11.4 mi | 15m |
| Marengo Avenue | 4.8 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
US 20
— 24.2 mi, about 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Emmetsburg, IA and West Des Moines, IA.
1
Start on 8th Street
87 ft
·
8 sec
·
8th Street
2
Turn right onto Lawler Street
332 ft
·
14 sec
·
Lawler Street
3
Turn left onto US 18; IA 4
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Main Street
4
Turn right onto IA 4
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Broadway Street
5
Continue on IA 4
13 mi
·
17 min
·
460th Avenue
6
Continue on IA 4
11 mi
·
15 min
·
220th Avenue
7
Continue on IA 4
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Northwest 7th Street
8
Continue on IA 4
11 mi
·
15 min
·
220th Avenue
9
Continue on IA 4; IA 7
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
·
Marengo Avenue
10
Continue on IA 4; IA 7
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North East Street
11
Continue on IA 4; IA 7
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Marengo Avenue
12
Keep slight left at fork onto IA 4
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Marshall Avenue
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
Toward US 20 East
14
Merge onto US 20
24 mi
·
27 min
·
US 20
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Toward US 169
16
Turn right onto US 169
12 mi
·
16 min
·
Lainson Avenue
17
Turn left onto US 169
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
360th Street
18
Take the exit onto US 169
16 mi
·
22 min
·
US 169
19
Turn left onto US 30; US 169
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
220th Street
20
Take the exit onto US 169
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
US 169
21
Turn right onto US 169
11 mi
·
15 min
·
H Avenue
22
Continue on US 169
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
N Avenue
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward IA 141 east: Urbandale
24
Continue on IA 141
16 mi
·
18 min
·
Northwest Granger Drive
25
Continue on IA 141
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Northwest 114th Street
26
Continue on IA 141
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast Grimes Boulevard
27
Continue on IA 141
0.6 mi
·
49 sec
·
Grimes Boulevard
28
Continue on IA 141
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast Grimes Boulevard
29
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I-35 south, I-80 west: Kansas City, Council Bluffs
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Merge onto I 80; I 35
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
I 80; I 35
Use the slight right lane.
31
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit onto Ramp 72 I
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
Ramp 72 I
Exit 72A
Toward I 235 East: West Des Moines, Des Moines
Use the right lane.
33
Merge onto I 235
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
John MacVicar Freeway
34
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 3
Toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
Use the slight right lane.
35
Turn right onto 8th Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
8th Street
Use the right lane.
36
Turn left onto Vine Street
468 ft
·
12 sec
·
Vine Street
37
Arrive at destination
Vine Street
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 75.9 miles from Emmetsburg, IA, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 24.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 33 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 75.9 miles or 1h 42m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Des Moines, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Emmetsburg, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Emmetsburg, IA
This is one driving day of about 151.9 miles and 3h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Emmetsburg, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 20 for about 24.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 75.9 mi from Emmetsburg, IA · 1h 42m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
76 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 75.9 miles from Emmetsburg, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in West Des Moines, IA
The final approach into West Des Moines, IA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around West Des Moines, IA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.75 one way
$47.50 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
53 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.07 | $52.15 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.23 | $58.46 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $33.54 | $67.08 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 45.6 | 0 | $15.95 | $7.29 |
| Efficient EV | 38 | 0 | $13.29 | $6.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 60.8 | 0 | $21.27 | $9.72 |
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
West Des Moines, IA
Late night in West Des Moines on Saturday
Local time
4:20 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
51°F
Centerville, IA
76 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
5 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 26m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Emmetsburg, IA to West Des Moines, IA covers 151.9 miles and takes about 3h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 20, 220th Avenue, US 169. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 75.9 miles from Emmetsburg, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.75 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 151.9 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 120.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 142.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 146.7 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Emmetsburg, IA to West Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Council Bluffs along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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