Origin
Grimes, IA
Evening in Grimes on Wednesday
Local time
7:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Grimes, IA to West Des Moines, IA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
19m
Distance
12.3 mi
20 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$2
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 18m
★
6 AM
0h 19m
8 AM
0h 23m
10 AM
0h 21m
12 PM
0h 20m
3 PM
0h 21m
5 PM
0h 23m
8 PM
0h 18m
★
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Grimes, IA
Alexander Krivitskiy
West Des Moines, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are traveling from Grimes to West Des Moines, you are looking at a quick 12.3-mile trip that typically takes about 17 minutes to complete. This journey stays entirely within the Iowa Midwest, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day outing. You will not need to worry about extensive trip planning or overnight stays for such a short distance. With fuel costs estimated at just $2, it is a very budget-friendly connection between these two communities. Whether you are commuting or heading out for local errands, this route provides a straightforward link without the need for complex logistics.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
6.2 miles from Grimes, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 9m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed interstate experience, as this route has zero highway share. You will navigate through local infrastructure, primarily utilizing East 1st Street, Grimes Boulevard, and Southeast Grimes Boulevard. Because the longest stretch is 0 miles on East 1st Street, you should stay alert for frequent turns and intersection changes throughout the 17-minute duration. The road’s personality is defined by its local nature, requiring your full attention as you transition between these specific thoroughfares. It is a practical, functional drive that keeps you off major highways entirely.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 14 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 3.3 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 3.1 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
Focused - lots of decisions in a short distance, but it is over quickly
This is a short but busy drive. With 11 decision points packed into just 12.3 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 19m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.8 miles (I 80; I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.1 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
3.1 mi into trip
|
~5m 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...
5
3.8 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
I 80; I 35
Merge onto I 80; I 35
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
6
7.1 mi into trip
|
~10m 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
7.5 mi into trip
|
~11m 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
10.7 mi into trip
|
~15m 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.
Between Grimes, IA and West Des Moines, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Des Moines and Windsor Heights.
Council Bluffs
3.1 mi in
|
~5m
Des Moines
7.5 mi in
|
~11m
|
via Ramp 72 I
Windsor Heights
10.7 mi in
|
~15m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 3.3 mi | 3m |
| John MacVicar Freeway | 2.8 mi | 3m |
| Southeast Grimes Boulevard | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| 8th Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| East 1st Street | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Ramp 72 I | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| I 35 | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Grimes Boulevard | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 3.3 mi, about 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grimes, IA and West Des Moines, IA.
1
Start on Southeast Main Street
22 ft
·
4 sec
·
Southeast Main Street
2
Turn right onto IA 44
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East 1st Street
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
4
Merge onto IA 141
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
Grimes Boulevard
5
Continue on IA 141
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast Grimes Boulevard
6
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.
7
Merge onto I 80; I 35
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
I 80; I 35
Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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.
10
Merge onto I 235
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
John MacVicar Freeway
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 3
Toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
Use the slight right lane.
12
Turn right onto 8th Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
8th Street
Use the right lane.
13
Turn left onto Vine Street
468 ft
·
12 sec
·
Vine Street
14
Arrive at destination
Vine Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a short 12.3-mile transit, you have the benefit of total flexibility when planning your departure time. You will not need to schedule any formal stops, as the entire trip is easily manageable in under 20 minutes. Keep in mind that because this route relies on local streets, traffic flow can be more sensitive to local conditions than on a standard highway. Make sure to check your fuel levels before leaving, though your $2 estimated cost shows that this is an incredibly efficient trip. My best advice for this specific drive is to keep your map app open, as the turn-heavy nature of the local roads requires constant navigation through the various boulevards.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 6.2 miles from Grimes, IA, or about 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 3.3 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 12 miles or 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 6.2 miles or 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Des Moines, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving Grimes, IA.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Grimes, IA
This is one driving day of about 12.3 miles and 19m.
At 12.3 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 3.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 6.2 mi from Grimes, IA · 9m into the drive
Pacing Suggestions
Arriving in West Des Moines, IA
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into West Des Moines, IA if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$1.92 one way
$3.85 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
4 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $2.11 | $4.22 |
| premium | $4.89 | $2.37 | $4.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $2.72 | $5.43 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$27–$52
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 4.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 75% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 3.7 | 0 | $1.29 | $0.59 |
| Efficient EV | 3.1 | 0 | $1.08 | $0.49 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 4.9 | 0 | $1.72 | $0.79 |
Gas CO2
4 kg
EV CO2
1 kg (75% 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
Evening in West Des Moines on Wednesday
Local time
7:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
1 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
19m 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 Grimes, IA to West Des Moines, IA covers 12.3 miles and takes about 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, John MacVicar Freeway, Southeast Grimes Boulevard. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 6.2 miles from Grimes, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $1.92 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.
This is a short but busy drive. With 11 decision points packed into just 12.3 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 19m.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.8 miles (I 80; I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.1 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Grimes, IA and West Des Moines, IA, road signs point toward Council Bluffs, Des Moines and Windsor Heights.
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