Trip from Epworth, 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 51m

Distance

186.4 mi

300 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Fair

4 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 39m ★

6 AM

3h 52m

8 AM

4h 17m

10 AM

4h 1m

12 PM

3h 58m

3 PM

4h 2m

5 PM

4h 16m

8 PM

3h 44m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Epworth, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Polk, Dallas, Warren, and Madison counties, Iowa, United States

West Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Epworth, IA to West Des Moines, IA covers 186.4 miles and takes about 3h 51m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 151, Lincoln Highway, Marshalltown Boulevard for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed highway & surface. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 39.9 miles on US 151. At current regular gas prices, budget about $29.14 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

93.2 miles from Epworth, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 58m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 151	39.9 mi	46m
Lincoln Highway	37.3 mi	43m
Marshalltown Boulevard	33.7 mi	39m
73rd Street	24.4 mi	28m
IA 100	15.2 mi	18m
Farley Road	10.4 mi	18m
John MacVicar Freeway	9.4 mi	12m
US 65	4.5 mi	5m

Longest stretch: US 151 — 39.9 mi, about 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Epworth, IA and West Des Moines, IA.

Start on Center Avenue South

0.3 mi · 50 sec · Center Avenue South

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Toward US 20 West, US 52 North

Merge onto US 20; US 52

3.2 mi · 3 min · US 20; US 52

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 52 sec

Exit 300 Toward CR Y13: Farley

Turn left onto 1st Street Southwest

0.2 mi · 20 sec · 1st Street Southwest

Turn right onto Olde Farley Road

0.5 mi · 55 sec · Olde Farley Road

Turn left onto CR Y13

10 mi · 18 min · Farley Road

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 47 sec

Merge onto US 151

39 mi · 44 min · US 151

Turn left onto US 151; IA 13

1.1 mi · 1 min · US 151; IA 13

Turn right onto IA 100

15 mi · 18 min · IA 100

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min

Toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown

Merge onto US 30; US 218

2.4 mi · 2 min · 16th Avenue Southwest

Continue on US 30; US 218

24 mi · 28 min · 73rd Street

Continue on US 30

37 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines

Turn left onto IA 330

34 mi · 39 min · Marshalltown Boulevard

Continue on US 65; IA 330

0.7 mi · 58 sec · Northeast Hubbell Avenue

Take the exit onto US 65

4.5 mi · 5 min · US 65

Toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 137A Toward I 235 West: Des Moines Use the slight left lane.

Continue on John MacVicar Freeway

9.4 mi · 12 min · John MacVicar Freeway

Toward I 235 West: Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec

Exit 4 Toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn left onto IA 28

1.1 mi · 2 min · 63rd Street

Turn right onto Vine Street

0.4 mi · 59 sec · Vine Street

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 93.2 miles from Epworth, IA, or about 1h 58m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 39.9 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 41 miles or 55m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 93.2 miles or 1h 58m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 8m

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 Epworth, 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 Epworth, IA

This is one driving day of about 186.4 miles and 3h 51m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Epworth, 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 151 for about 39.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vinton, IA

93 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

Mechanicsville, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Vinton, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 93.2 miles from Epworth, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Monticello, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 26.6

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13194653700

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

1.5 mi

El Toreado Restaurant Bar & Grill . EP True

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

2.3 mi

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 26.6

Monticello, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13194653700

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 173.1

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

El Toreado Restaurant Bar & Grill . EP True

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 186.4

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152262182

Visit website

Paradise Indian Grill - Cedar Rapids

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 66.6

Hiawatha, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13193182070

Visit website

Subway

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 40

Anamosa, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+13194624411

Visit website

Taco John's

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 66.6

Hiawatha, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–11 pm

+13192004800

Visit website

Tullpa Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 186.4

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152142327

Visit website

Tommy's West Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 66.6

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+13193963045

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 79.9

Newhall, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 26.6

Monticello, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13194655916

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 66.6

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

1.1 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 66.6

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 184.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.3 mi into trip | ~0m in

Take the ramp toward US 20 West, US 52 North

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 20 West, US 52 North

3.8 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the exit toward CR Y13: Farley

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 300 Toward CR Y13: Farley

170.2 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in | US 65

Take the exit onto US 65 toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines

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 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines

174.6 mi into trip | ~3h 34m in

Take the exit toward I 235 West: Des Moines

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 137A Toward I 235 West: Des Moines

184.6 mi into trip | ~3h 47m in

Take the exit toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights

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. Exit 4 Toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.14 one way

$58.28 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$32.00	$63.99
premium	$4.89	$35.87	$71.74
diesel	$5.61	$41.15	$82.31

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 65.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	55.9	$19.57	$8.95
Efficient EV	46.6	$16.31	$7.46
EV Truck/SUV	74.6	$26.10	$11.93

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 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.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Epworth, IA

Afternoon in Epworth on Saturday

Local time

2:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

West Des Moines, IA

Afternoon in West Des Moines on Saturday

Local time

2:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

37°F

Mostly Cloudy

NNW 10 to 14 mph 6% chance Live forecast

49°F

Vinton, IA

93 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

12 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 51m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

186.4 mi in 3h 51m — 39% highway, the rest on surface roads. Biggest road: US 151.

39% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 39.9 mi on US 151.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 186.4 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 170.2 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Epworth, IA and West Des Moines, IA, road signs point toward Marshalltown and Des Moines.

Marshalltown

70.7 mi in | ~1h 32m

Des Moines

135.5 mi in | ~2h 47m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 51m. Total distance: 186.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 39.9 miles on US 151. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at West Des Moines, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at West Des Moines, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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Trip from Epworth, IA to West Des Moines, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

El Toreado Restaurant Bar & Grill . EP True

Paradise Indian Grill - Cedar Rapids

Subway

Taco John's

Tullpa Restaurant

Tommy's West Restaurant

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Epworth, IA

West Des Moines, IA

Same local time

12 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 51m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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