Origin
West Des Moines, IA
Late night in West Des Moines on Saturday
Local time
5:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from West Des Moines, IA to West Burlington, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 23m
Distance
170.5 mi
274 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 11m
★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 47m
10 AM
3h 32m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 33m
5 PM
3h 46m
8 PM
3h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
West Des Moines, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from West Des Moines, IA to West Burlington, IA covers 170.5 miles and takes about 3h 23m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on IA 163, IA 5, US 34 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 77.6 miles on IA 163. At current regular gas prices, budget about $25.31 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
85.2 miles from West Des Moines, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 23m. Total distance: 170.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 3h 23m highway drive covering 170.5 miles, with most of the trip on IA 163 and IA 5. The longest continuous stretch is about 77.6 miles on IA 163.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
IA 163 is the longest continuous segment at about 77.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on IA 163 and IA 5. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.6 miles in near IA 5 / Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway.
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 170.5 miles you will encounter 12 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: at 5.6 miles (IA 5 / Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.8 miles (IA 5): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 145.5 miles (US 34; IA 163): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
5.6 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
IA 5 / Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Merge onto IA 5 / Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
13.8 mi into trip
|
~18m in
|
IA 5
Take the exit onto IA 5 toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
6
145.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
|
US 34; IA 163
Take the exit onto US 34; IA 163 toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 42
Toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Bu...
7
145.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
|
US 34; IA 163
Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163 toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 42
Toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
5
170.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 23m in
|
East Wheeler Street
Turn left onto East Wheeler Street
Navigation decision point
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between West Des Moines, IA and West Burlington, IA, road signs point toward 163 East: Mount Pleasant and Burlington.
163 East: Mount Pleasant
145.5 mi in
|
~2h 51m
|
via US 34; IA 163
Burlington
145.5 mi in
|
~2h 51m
|
via US 34; IA 163
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| IA 163 | 77.6 mi | 1h 29m |
| IA 5 | 51.3 mi | 58m |
| US 34 | 22.8 mi | 27m |
| Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway | 8.1 mi | 9m |
| Southwest 63rd Street | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 2.3 mi | 2m |
| State Highway 28 | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| West Mount Pleasant Street | 1.8 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
IA 163
— 77.6 mi, about 1h 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines, IA and West Burlington, IA.
1
Start on Vine Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Vine Street
2
Turn right onto IA 28
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Southwest 63rd Street;1st Street
3
Continue on IA 28
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 28
4
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
5
Merge onto IA 5
8.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit onto IA 5
19 mi
·
22 min
·
IA 5
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
7
Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92
32 mi
·
36 min
·
IA 5; IA 92
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
9
Merge onto IA 163
78 mi
·
1 hr 29 min
·
IA 163
10
Merge onto US 34; US 218; IA 27; IA 163
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
11
Take the exit onto US 34; IA 163
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
US 34; IA 163
Exit 42
Toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 34; IA 163
23 mi
·
26 min
·
US 34; IA 163
Exit 42
Toward US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward Mount Pleasant Street
14
Turn right onto West Mount Pleasant Street
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
West Mount Pleasant Street
15
Turn right onto Broadway Street
365 ft
·
17 sec
·
Broadway Street
16
Turn left onto East Wheeler Street
22 ft
·
0 sec
·
East Wheeler Street
17
Arrive at destination
East Wheeler Street
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 85.2 miles from West Des Moines, IA, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.6 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 38 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.2 miles or 1h 41m 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Burlington, 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 170.5 miles and 3h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from West Des Moines, 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 IA 163 for about 77.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 85.2 mi from West Des Moines, IA · 1h 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 85.2 miles from West Des Moines, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before IA 163 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.6 miles.
Arriving in West Burlington, IA
The final approach into West Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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
$25.31 one way
$50.63 round trip
$3.77/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $28.55 | $57.10 |
| premium | $4.65 | $31.24 | $62.48 |
| diesel | $5.30 | $35.60 | $71.21 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.7 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.2 | 0 | $17.90 | $8.18 |
| Efficient EV | 42.6 | 0 | $14.92 | $6.82 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.2 | 0 | $23.87 | $10.91 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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 Burlington, IA
Late night in West Burlington on Saturday
Local time
5:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 15 mph
18% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 11:22AM CDT until April 18 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 11:22AM CDT until April 18 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
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
27 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
3h 23m 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 West Des Moines, IA to West Burlington, IA covers 170.5 miles and takes about 3h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are IA 163, IA 5, US 34. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 85.2 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 $25.31 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
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 170.5 miles you will encounter 12 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: at 5.6 miles (IA 5 / Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.8 miles (IA 5): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 145.5 miles (US 34; IA 163): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between West Des Moines, IA and West Burlington, IA, road signs point toward 163 East: Mount Pleasant and Burlington.
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. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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