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Trip from Kalona, 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

2h 31m

Distance

124.5 mi

200 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Good

3 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 21m ★
6 AM
2h 32m
8 AM
2h 52m
10 AM
2h 39m
12 PM
2h 37m
3 PM
2h 40m
5 PM
2h 51m
8 PM
2h 26m

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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Downtown Kalona, IA, IA

Kalona, IA

Vasilij Zajcev

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

West Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Kalona, IA to West Des Moines, IA covers 124.5 miles and takes about 2h 31m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 80, John MacVicar Freeway, Black Hawk Avenue Southwest for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 92.1 miles on I 80. At current regular gas prices, budget about $19.46 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

62.2 miles from Kalona, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 31m. Total distance: 124.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 2h 31m highway drive covering 124.5 miles, with most of the trip on I 80 and John MacVicar Freeway. The longest continuous stretch is about 92.1 miles on I 80.

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 80 is the longest continuous segment at about 92.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and John MacVicar Freeway. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 5th Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 124.5 miles you will encounter 13 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: near the start (5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (IA 22 / East Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 20.5 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | 5th Street

Turn right onto 5th Street

Navigation decision point

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | IA 22 / East Avenue

Turn left onto IA 22 / East Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
20.5 mi into trip | ~34m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
112.7 mi into trip | ~2h 14m 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
8
122.7 mi into trip | ~2h 27m 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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 92.1 mi 1h 39m
John MacVicar Freeway 9.4 mi 12m
Black Hawk Avenue Southwest 5.9 mi 10m
Highway 1 Southwest 4 mi 5m
Black Diamond Road Southwest 3.3 mi 5m
Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest 2.8 mi 5m
500th Street Southwest 1.8 mi 3m
63rd Street 1.1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 92.1 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on B Avenue

36 ft · 3 sec · B Avenue
2

Turn right onto 5th Street

0.2 mi · 49 sec · 5th Street
3

Turn left onto IA 22

0.4 mi · 35 sec · East Avenue
4

Turn right onto IA 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · 1st Street
5

Continue on IA 1

1.1 mi · 1 min · State Highway 1
6

Continue on IA 1

4.0 mi · 5 min · Highway 1 Southwest
7

Turn left onto CR F62

1.8 mi · 3 min · 500th Street Southwest
8

Turn right onto Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest

2.8 mi · 5 min · Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest
9

At end of road, turn left onto CR F52

3.3 mi · 5 min · Black Diamond Road Southwest
10

Turn right onto CR W38

2.8 mi · 4 min · Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
11

Keep slight left at fork onto CR W38

3.1 mi · 5 min · Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
12

Continue on CR W38

507 ft · 17 sec · Black Hawk Avenue Northwest
13

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 47 sec
14

Merge onto I 80

92 mi · 1 hr 39 min · I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 137A Toward I 235 West: Des Moines Use the slight left lane.
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

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 62.2 miles from Kalona, IA, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.1 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 27 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 62.2 miles or 1h 19m 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 2m

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 Kalona, 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 Kalona, IA

This is one driving day of about 124.5 miles and 2h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Kalona, 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 92.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 62.2 mi from Kalona, IA · 1h 19m into the drive

city in Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brooklyn, IA

62 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

North Liberty, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brooklyn, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 62.2 miles from Kalona, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 92.1 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.

Nearby Places

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

Top Restaurant

Tuscan Moon Grill on Fifth

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kalona, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13196563315

Visit website

St. Kilda Collective

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

0.3 mi

Paula's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

0.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Kalona Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kalona, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+13196565333

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

2.6 mi

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clive, Iowa

2.7 mi

Tuscan Moon Grill on Fifth

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $20 to $30

Kalona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13196563315

Visit website

St. Kilda Collective

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 124.5

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15157052030

Visit website

Paula's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 124.5

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152773404

Cafe con Leche

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 115.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15152628435

Visit website

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv mile 115.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152622775

Visit website

Jw's Deli

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Kalona, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+13196565151

Brick Street Cafe, Bondurant, IA

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 106.7

Bondurant, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15159676174

Visit website

Maverik

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 35.6

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13196681285

Visit website

Kalona Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10

Kalona, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+13196565333

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 115.6

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 124.5

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+15155090915

Visit website

TMC Chrome Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 124.5

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15154758085

Creamery Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 8.9

Kalona, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–12:30 pm

+13196564220

Visit website

Saints Rest Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 71.1

Grinnell, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+16412366014

Visit website

Comeback Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 71.1

Grinnell, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16412360176

Visit website

Life Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 124.5

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 71.1

Grinnell, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 26.7

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 53.3

Brooklyn, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Paris Banh Mi Windsor Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 124.5

Windsor Heights, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7:30 pm

+15152778888

Visit website

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 124.5

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.46 one way

$38.93 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.37 $42.74
premium $4.89 $23.96 $47.92
diesel $5.61 $27.49 $54.98

Estimated Tolls: $0.20

Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest (2.8 mi) $0.20

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 43.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

3 DC fast chargers · Coverage: good

Tesla Supercharger

Grinnell, Iowa

Tesla

1 DCFC

Electrify America Charging Station

Williamsburg, Iowa

Electrify America

1 DCFC

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Brooklyn, Iowa

Other

1 DCFC

Tesla: 1 Electrify America: 1 Other: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 37.4 0 $13.07 $5.98
Efficient EV 31.1 0 $10.89 $4.98
EV Truck/SUV 49.8 0 $17.43 $7.97

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 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

Kalona, IA

Morning in Kalona on Saturday

Local time

8:50 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Sunny

NW 15 to 20 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:33AM CDT until April 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Omaha/Valley NE

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 17 at 10:38PM CDT until April 24 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Destination

West Des Moines, IA

Morning in West Des Moines on Saturday

Local time

8:50 AM

CDT

Current temp

34°F

Clear

NW 13 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:33AM CDT until April 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Omaha/Valley NE

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 17 at 10:38PM CDT until April 24 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

50°F

Brooklyn, IA

62 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

18 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

2h 31m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Kalona, IA to West Des Moines, IA covers 124.5 miles and takes about 2h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 80, John MacVicar Freeway, Black Hawk Avenue Southwest. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 62.2 miles from Kalona, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.46 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 124.5 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (IA 22 / East Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 20.5 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

The route from Kalona, IA to West Des Moines, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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