Origin
George, IA
Afternoon in George on Sunday
Local time
2:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from George, IA to West Des Moines, IA
Drive Time
5h 5m
Distance
263.1 mi
423 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
George, IA
Mike Bird
West Des Moines, IA
Daniel Dorfer
Trip Overview
Traveling from George to West Des Moines covers 263.1 miles across the heart of the Midwest. You can expect to spend about 5 hours and 5 minutes behind the wheel, making this a very manageable single-day trip. With a fuel budget of approximately $40, it is an affordable journey that keeps your travel costs predictable. Since the route stays entirely within Iowa, you will experience a consistent regional feel from start to finish. Whether you are heading out for business or a weekend visit, the straightforward nature of this drive allows for a stress-free experience. Plan on dedicating one full day to the transit to ensure you arrive feeling refreshed rather than rushed.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
131.6 miles from George, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 41m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip offers a mixed driving profile, balancing local roads with major interstate travel. You will spend about 59% of your time on highways, utilizing a combination of US 75, I-880, and I-80 to make your way across the state. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-80, where you will cover 94.9 miles of continuous interstate driving. Expect the road character to shift as you transition from the smaller local routes onto the higher-speed, multi-lane interstate system. It is a functional and efficient drive that prioritizes steady progress through the Iowa landscape.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 80 is the longest continuous segment at about 94.9 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 72.2 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 263.1 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 72.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 162.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
72.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 37m in
Take the exit toward I 29: Sioux 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 29: Sioux City, Council Bluffs
6
72.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 29 South: Council Bluffs, Sioux Gateway Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 29 South: Council Bluffs, Sioux Gatewa...
8
162.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 15m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 80 East: Des Moines
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 16A
Toward I 80 East: Des Moines
8
258.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 58m in
|
I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway toward I 235 East: Des Moines
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 123A
Toward I 235 East: Des Moines
8
261.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 2m 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 Along This Route
Between George, IA and West Des Moines, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs and Sioux Gateway Airport.
Council Bluffs
72.2 mi in
|
~1h 37m
Sioux Gateway Airport
72.6 mi in
|
~1h 37m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 94.9 mi | 1h 41m |
| US 75 | 30.1 mi | 36m |
| I 880 | 16 mi | 17m |
| IA 60 | 10.4 mi | 12m |
| Jackson Avenue | 8 mi | 10m |
| County Road K64 | 7.4 mi | 10m |
| L14 | 5.7 mi | 8m |
| Kennedy Avenue | 3.8 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 94.9 mi, about 1h 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between George, IA and West Des Moines, IA.
1
Start on North Main Street
377 ft
·
17 sec
·
North Main Street
2
Turn left onto East Boiler Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
East Boiler Avenue
3
Turn right onto South Virginia Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Virginia Street
4
Continue on L14
5.7 mi
·
8 min
·
L14
5
Continue on CR L14
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Kennedy Avenue
6
Continue on CR L14
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Colfax Street
7
Turn right onto US 18
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
320th Street
8
Turn left onto CR K64
8.0 mi
·
10 min
·
Jackson Avenue
9
Continue on County Road K64
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
County Road K64
10
Continue on Albany Avenue
1.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Albany Avenue
Use the none lane.
11
Continue on Albany Place
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
·
Albany Place
12
Continue on County Road K64
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
County Road K64
13
Turn right onto IA 60
10 mi
·
12 min
·
IA 60
Use the none lane.
14
Continue on US 75
30 mi
·
36 min
·
US 75
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 29: Sioux City, Council Bluffs
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
73 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
Toward I 29 South: Council Bluffs, Sioux Gateway Airport
17
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 71
Toward I 880 East: Des Moines
18
Continue on I 880
16 mi
·
17 min
·
I 880
Use the none lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 16A
Toward I 80 East: Des Moines
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 80
95 mi
·
1 hr 41 min
·
I 80
Use the none lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 235
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
John MacVicar Freeway
Exit 123A
Toward I 235 East: Des Moines
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 3
Toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
Use the slight right lane.
23
Turn right onto 8th Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
8th Street
Use the right lane.
24
Turn left onto Vine Street
468 ft
·
12 sec
·
Vine Street
25
Arrive at destination
Vine Street
Trip Plan
To keep your 5-hour drive comfortable, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the route relies heavily on major arteries, keep an eye on traffic patterns during peak hours when merging onto the interstate. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential congestion and ensure you reach West Des Moines with plenty of daylight left. Given the 94.9-mile stretch on I-80, check your fuel levels before merging onto the interstate to avoid unnecessary detours. Flexibility is a major advantage here, as the route's duration is short enough to allow for a relaxed pace without needing an overnight stay.
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 131.6 miles from George, IA, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 94.9 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 80 miles or 1h 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.6 miles or 2h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 12m
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 George, 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 George, IA
This is one driving day of about 263.1 miles and 5h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from George, 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 I 80 for about 94.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 131.6 mi from George, IA · 2h 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
132 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 131.6 miles from George, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 94.9 miles.
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
$39.96 one way
$79.92 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
92 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $44.05 | $88.11 |
| premium | $4.80 | $49.67 | $99.34 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $58.45 | $116.90 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 78.9 | 0 | $27.63 | $12.63 |
| Efficient EV | 65.8 | 0 | $23.02 | $10.52 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 105.2 | 1 | $36.83 | $16.84 |
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Afternoon in West Des Moines on Sunday
Local time
2:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
32 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
5h 5m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from George, IA to West Des Moines, IA covers 263.1 miles and takes about 5h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, US 75, I 880. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 131.6 miles from George, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.96 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 263.1 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 72.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 162.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between George, IA and West Des Moines, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs and Sioux Gateway Airport.
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