Origin
Greene, IA
Late night in Greene on Friday
Local time
5:55 AM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Greene, IA to West Des Moines, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 42m
Distance
131.3 mi
211 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
26 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 32m
★
6 AM
2h 42m
8 AM
3h 4m
10 AM
2h 50m
12 PM
2h 48m
3 PM
2h 51m
5 PM
3h 3m
8 PM
2h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Greene, IA
Thirdman
West Des Moines, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 131.3-mile drive from Greene to West Des Moines, Iowa, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-35, with some use of State Highway 3 and Liberty Avenue. Given its relatively short distance and straightforward nature, it's a convenient option for a quick journey within the Midwest. The estimated fuel cost is around $21, making it an economical choice for a road trip. The route offers a focused highway experience, perfect for those who prefer to cover ground efficiently.
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
65.7 miles from Greene, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 26m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 42m. Total distance: 131.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for this trip, with 80% of the journey taking place on main roads like I-35. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 77.8 miles on I-35, which means long periods of consistent speed. While the primary character is that of a fast-paced highway, there are segments on State Highway 3 and Liberty Avenue that may offer a slight change of pace before you reach your destination. This route is designed for covering distance effectively rather than for leisurely scenic cruising.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 35 is the longest continuous segment at about 77.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and State Highway 3. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 10.8 miles in near IA 3 / 210th Street.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 2h 42m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 10.8 miles (IA 3 / 210th Street): Navigation decision point; at 41.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.5 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
10.8 mi into trip
|
~16m in
|
IA 3 / 210th Street
At end of road, turn right onto IA 3 / 210th Street
Navigation decision point
6
41.2 mi into trip
|
~1h in
Take the ramp toward Hampton, Clarion
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Hampton, Clarion
5
41.5 mi into trip
|
~1h in
|
I 35
Merge onto I 35
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
119.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 235 West: Des Moines
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 235 West: Des Moines
8
129.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Greene, IA and West Des Moines, IA, road signs point toward Hampton and Clarion.
Hampton
41.2 mi in
|
~1h
Clarion
41.2 mi in
|
~1h
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 35 | 77.8 mi | 1h 24m |
| State Highway 3 | 17.2 mi | 23m |
| Liberty Avenue | 9.4 mi | 14m |
| John MacVicar Freeway | 9.4 mi | 12m |
| 210th Street | 9.2 mi | 12m |
| Central Avenue East | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| South Street | 1.7 mi | 2m |
| 63rd Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 77.8 mi, about 1h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Greene, IA and West Des Moines, IA.
1
Start on North 1st Street
74 ft
·
3 sec
·
North 1st Street
2
Turn right onto CR C13
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Traer Street
3
Continue on CR C13
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
West South Street
4
Turn left onto IA 14
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 14
5
Continue on IA 14
9.4 mi
·
14 min
·
Liberty Avenue
6
At end of road, turn right onto IA 3
7.4 mi
·
10 min
·
210th Street
7
Continue on IA 3
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
South Street
8
Continue on IA 3
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
210th Street
9
Continue on IA 3
8.2 mi
·
11 min
·
State Highway 3
10
Continue on IA 3
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Central Avenue East
11
Continue on IA 3
9.0 mi
·
12 min
·
State Highway 3
12
Continue on IA 3
517 ft
·
13 sec
·
Balsam Avenue
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Hampton, Clarion
14
Merge onto I 35
78 mi
·
1 hr 24 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 235 West: Des Moines
16
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.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 4
Toward IA 28: 63rd Street, Windsor Heights
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Turn left onto IA 28
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
63rd Street
19
Turn right onto Vine Street
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
Vine Street
20
Arrive at destination
Vine Street
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour and 42-minute drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize your day at your destination. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 77.8 miles, you can easily complete this journey without needing to split it. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer I-35 segment, as services might be less frequent. The $21 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always factor in a little extra for unexpected needs.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 65.7 miles from Greene, IA, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.8 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 29 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 65.7 miles or 1h 26m 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 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 Greene, 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 Greene, IA
This is one driving day of about 131.3 miles and 2h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Greene, 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 35 for about 77.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 65.7 mi from Greene, IA · 1h 26m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
66 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 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 65.7 miles from Greene, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.8 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
$20.53 one way
$41.05 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
46 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $22.54 | $45.08 |
| premium | $4.89 | $25.27 | $50.53 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $28.99 | $57.98 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
26 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
ChargePoint Charging Station
Ames, Iowa
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Ames, Iowa
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Ames, Iowa
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Ames, Iowa
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Ames, Iowa
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Ames, Iowa
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
EV Connect Charging Station
Ames, Iowa
EV Connect
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Ames, Iowa
Tesla
1 DCFC
ChargePoint: 13
Other: 6
Tesla: 2
Blink: 2
EV Connect: 1
Shell Recharge: 1
EVgo: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 39.4 | 0 | $13.79 | $6.30 |
| Efficient EV | 32.8 | 0 | $11.49 | $5.25 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 52.5 | 0 | $18.38 | $8.40 |
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (67% 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 Friday
Local time
5:55 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°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
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
2h 42m 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 Greene, IA to West Des Moines, IA covers 131.3 miles and takes about 2h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 35, State Highway 3, Liberty Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 65.7 miles from Greene, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.53 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 straightforward 2h 42m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.8 miles (IA 3 / 210th Street): Navigation decision point; at 41.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.5 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Greene, IA and West Des Moines, IA, road signs point toward Hampton and Clarion.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. EV charging comes from the NREL Alternative Fuels dataset. National park proximity is from the NPS API. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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