Origin
Rockwell City, IA
Afternoon in Rockwell City on Thursday
Local time
12:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Rockwell City, IA to West Des Moines, IA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 17m
Distance
98.3 mi
158 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 8m
★
6 AM
2h 18m
8 AM
2h 37m
10 AM
2h 24m
12 PM
2h 22m
3 PM
2h 25m
5 PM
2h 36m
8 PM
2h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rockwell City, IA
Kelly
West Des Moines, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 98.3-mile drive from Rockwell City, IA, to West Des Moines, IA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. The estimated fuel cost is around $15, reflecting a relatively efficient journey through the Midwest. You'll primarily navigate local roads, with only a small portion on highways, making it a less intense driving experience. With no designated stops in the data, this route is best suited for those who prefer to set their own pace and perhaps make spontaneous detours. The overall feel is that of a straightforward, local traverse within Iowa.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
49.1 miles from Rockwell City, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 10m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 17m. Total distance: 98.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' on this route, with only 7% of the journey on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 15.6 miles along Northwest Granger Drive. This suggests a route that frequently transitions between different local roads like 360th Street and U Avenue. The road personality will likely involve numerous intersections and changes in speed limits as you move through various communities. It's a driving experience that requires consistent attention to navigation rather than settling into a long, high-speed cruise.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 40 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Northwest Granger Drive is the longest continuous segment at about 15.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 67.2 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 98.3 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 67.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 89.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
67.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 36m in
Take the exit toward IA 141 east: Urbandale
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward IA 141 east: Urbandale
7
89.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 3m 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...
6
93 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m 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
93.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m 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
96.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m 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.
On the drive from Rockwell City, IA to West Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Council Bluffs along the way.
Council Bluffs
89.1 mi in
|
~2h 3m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Granger Drive | 15.6 mi | 18m |
| 360th Street | 14.9 mi | 20m |
| U Avenue | 14.5 mi | 19m |
| Sigourney Avenue | 8.1 mi | 11m |
| 144 Diagonal | 6.9 mi | 9m |
| 335th Street | 4.1 mi | 6m |
| Indiana Avenue | 4 mi | 5m |
| I 80 | 3.3 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Northwest Granger Drive
— 15.6 mi, about 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rockwell City, IA and West Des Moines, IA.
1
Start on 4th Street
0.2 mi
·
58 sec
·
4th Street
2
Turn right onto CR D36
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West High Street
3
Turn straight onto CR D36
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
270th Street
4
Turn right onto CR N65
8.1 mi
·
11 min
·
Sigourney Avenue
5
Continue on CR N65
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Maple Street
6
Turn left onto IA 4; IA 175
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
5th Street
7
Continue on IA 4; IA 175
15 mi
·
20 min
·
360th Street
8
Turn right onto IA 144
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Indiana Avenue
9
Continue on IA 144
6.8 mi
·
9 min
·
U Avenue
10
Continue on IA 144
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Mc Intyre Street
11
Continue on IA 144
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
U Avenue
12
Continue on IA 144
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
9th Street North
13
Continue on IA 144
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
9th N Street
14
Continue on IA 144
496 ft
·
18 sec
·
South 9th Street
15
Turn right onto IA 144
0.3 mi
·
53 sec
·
West Main Street
16
Continue on IA 144
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
U Avenue
17
Turn slight left onto IA 144
6.9 mi
·
9 min
·
144 Diagonal
18
Continue on IA 144
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Apple Road
19
Continue on IA 144
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
325th Street
20
Continue on IA 144
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
D Avenue
21
Turn left onto 335th Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
335th Street
22
Continue on East Avenue
470 ft
·
14 sec
·
East Avenue
23
Turn right onto 335th Street
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
335th Street
24
At end of road, turn right onto US 169
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
·
H Avenue
25
Continue on US 169
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
N Avenue
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward IA 141 east: Urbandale
27
Continue on IA 141
16 mi
·
18 min
·
Northwest Granger Drive
28
Continue on IA 141
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Northwest 114th Street
29
Continue on IA 141
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast Grimes Boulevard
30
Continue on IA 141
0.6 mi
·
49 sec
·
Grimes Boulevard
31
Continue on IA 141
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast Grimes Boulevard
32
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.
33
Merge onto I 80; I 35
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
I 80; I 35
Use the slight right lane.
34
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
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.
36
Merge onto I 235
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
John MacVicar Freeway
37
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 3
Toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
Use the slight right lane.
38
Turn right onto 8th Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
8th Street
Use the right lane.
39
Turn left onto Vine Street
468 ft
·
12 sec
·
Vine Street
40
Arrive at destination
Vine Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour and 17-minute duration, this trip is ideal for a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Since there are no specific stops noted, plan to fuel up before you leave Rockwell City to ensure you have enough for the 98.3-mile journey and the estimated $15 fuel cost. Keep an eye on your navigation as you'll be on local roads for most of the drive, with a 7% highway share. The 'turn-heavy' nature means you'll want to be prepared for frequent adjustments. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid any potential rush hour traffic as you approach West Des Moines.
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 49.1 miles from Rockwell City, IA, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 15.6 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 22 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 49.1 miles or 1h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 52m
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 Rockwell City, 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 Rockwell City, IA
This is one driving day of about 98.3 miles and 2h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Rockwell City, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Northwest Granger Drive for about 15.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 49.1 mi from Rockwell City, IA · 1h 10m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
49 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 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 49.1 miles from Rockwell City, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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
$15.37 one way
$30.74 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $16.87 | $33.75 |
| premium | $4.89 | $18.92 | $37.83 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.70 | $43.41 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 34.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29.5 | 0 | $10.32 | $4.72 |
| Efficient EV | 24.6 | 0 | $8.60 | $3.93 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 39.3 | 0 | $13.76 | $6.29 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (65% 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
Afternoon in West Des Moines on Thursday
Local time
12:40 PM
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
3 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 17m 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 Rockwell City, IA to West Des Moines, IA covers 98.3 miles and takes about 2h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Northwest Granger Drive, 360th Street, U Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 49.1 miles from Rockwell City, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.37 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 demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 98.3 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 67.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 89.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Rockwell City, IA to West Des Moines, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Council Bluffs along the way.
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