Origin
West Des Moines, IA
Afternoon in West Des Moines on Sunday
Local time
2:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from West Des Moines, IA to Waukee, IA
Drive Time
19m
Distance
11.8 mi
19 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$2
one way
West Des Moines, IA
Daniel Dorfer
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick transition between West Des Moines and Waukee, this 11.8-mile journey is a straightforward commute. Clocking in at approximately 19 minutes, it is easily managed as a single-day trip that requires no overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via Hickman Road, the John MacVicar Freeway, and I-80 to complete the transit. With a modest fuel cost of about $2, this is an incredibly budget-friendly excursion within the Midwest. Because the route is so short, you have total flexibility in your schedule, making it ideal for a quick errand or a local visit. It is a practical, no-fuss connection between two Iowa communities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
5.9 miles from West Des Moines, 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 long-distance highway slog on this short trip. While you will spend 29% of your time on the highway, much of the experience involves navigating the local road network. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 5.7-mile segment on Hickman Road, which provides the most consistent portion of the drive. The personality of the road shifts as you move between the busier freeway sections and the tighter local turn-heavy corridors. You will find that the transitions require your full attention, as the route is more about precise navigation than sustained cruising.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Hickman Road is the longest continuous segment at about 5.7 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 0.1 miles in near 8th Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 11.8 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 0.1 miles (8th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4 miles (Ramp 72 E): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
8th Street
Turn right onto 8th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
1.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the ramp toward I-235 west
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-235 west
8
4 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
Ramp 72 E
Take the exit onto Ramp 72 E toward I 35 North, I 80 East: Minneapolis, Chicago
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 123B
Toward I 35 North, I 80 East: Minneapolis, Chic...
7
4.5 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
I 80
Merge onto I 80 toward I-35 north, I-80 east: Chicago, Minneapolis
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I-35 north, I-80 east: Chicago, Minneapo...
6
5.6 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Take the exit toward US 6
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 6
Towns Along This Route
Between West Des Moines, IA and Waukee, IA, road signs point toward Chicago and Minneapolis.
Chicago
4 mi in
|
~6m
|
via Ramp 72 E
Minneapolis
4.5 mi in
|
~7m
|
via I 80
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Hickman Road | 5.7 mi | 9m |
| John MacVicar Freeway | 2.3 mi | 2m |
| I 80 | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| 8th Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| Ramp 72 E | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| 73rd Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| 6th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Vine Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Hickman Road
— 5.7 mi, about 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines, IA and Waukee, IA.
1
Start on Vine Street
468 ft
·
14 sec
·
Vine Street
2
Turn right onto 8th Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
8th Street
Use the none lane.
3
Continue on 73rd Street
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
73rd Street
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I-235 west
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 235
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
John MacVicar Freeway
Use the none lane.
6
Take the exit onto Ramp 72 E
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
Ramp 72 E
Exit 123B
Toward I 35 North, I 80 East: Minneapolis, Chicago
Use the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 80
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
I 80
Toward I-35 north, I-80 east: Chicago, Minneapolis
Use the none lane.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward US 6
Use the slight right lane.
9
Turn left onto US 6
5.7 mi
·
9 min
·
Hickman Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
10
Turn left onto CR R22
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
6th Street
11
Turn left onto Ashworth Drive
139 ft
·
4 sec
·
Ashworth Drive
12
Arrive at destination
Ashworth Drive
Trip Plan
Since this drive takes less than 20 minutes, you do not need to worry about complex stop planning or rest breaks. You can depart at your convenience, though it is always wise to check local traffic patterns on Hickman Road before heading out. Given the short duration, you will not need to factor in additional fuel stops beyond your starting tank. Take advantage of the route's brevity by keeping your plans flexible, as you can easily turn around or adjust your destination on a whim. My top tip for this specific trip is to stay alert during the transition from the I-80 highway segments to the more frequent turns on the local roads, as the change in pace happens quickly.
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 5.9 miles from West Des Moines, IA, or about 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 5.7 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 11.8 miles or 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 5.9 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waukee, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines, IA
This is one driving day of about 11.8 miles and 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from West Des Moines, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Hickman Road for about 5.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 5.9 mi from West Des Moines, IA · 9m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
6 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 11.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 5.9 miles from West Des Moines, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Waukee, IA
The final approach into Waukee, 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 Waukee, 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
$1.79 one way
$3.58 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
4 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $1.98 | $3.95 |
| premium | $4.80 | $2.23 | $4.46 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $2.62 | $5.24 |
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: 4.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 75% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 3.5 | 0 | $1.24 | $0.57 |
| Efficient EV | 3 | 0 | $1.03 | $0.47 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 4.7 | 0 | $1.65 | $0.76 |
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
Waukee, IA
Afternoon in Waukee on Sunday
Local time
2:34 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
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 West Des Moines, IA to Waukee, IA covers 11.8 miles and takes about 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Hickman Road, John MacVicar Freeway, I 80. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 5.9 miles from West Des Moines, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $1.79 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 9 significant decision points across 11.8 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 0.1 miles (8th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4 miles (Ramp 72 E): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between West Des Moines, IA and Waukee, IA, road signs point toward Chicago and Minneapolis.
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