West Des Moines, IA Road Trips

With 23 routes heading out and 22 heading in, West Des Moines, IA works well as a modest departure point in the Midwest. Most drives stay under 115 miles, making this area well-suited for day trips and weekend getaways. Most routes from West Des Moines, IA head east, giving the route network a clear directional lean.

Downtown West Des Moines, IA, IA

Photo: Daniel Dorfer

Trip Routes

45

Longest Drive

263.1 mi

George, IA

Quickest Drive

17m

Grimes, IA

Plan Around West Des Moines, IA

Trips from West Des Moines, IA

Driving from West Des Moines, IA

The typical drive from West Des Moines, IA covers about 115 miles and takes around 2h 16m. The majority of routes are short drives — quick enough to finish before lunch and be back for dinner. The longest mapped route runs 253 miles (4h 42m), while the shortest is just 12 miles.

Popular Destinations

Drivers leaving West Des Moines, IA most often head toward Sheldon, IA (252.6 mi, 4h 42m), Bridgeport, IA (206.7 mi, 3h 54m), Dubuque, IA (195 mi, 3h 56m), Fort Madison, IA (181.5 mi, 3h 37m), and Burlington, IA (173.3 mi, 3h 25m). Most destinations stay within the same state, perfect for exploring the local region thoroughly.

Planning & Costs

Regular gas in IA currently averages around $3.77 per gallon. For the typical 115-mile trip from West Des Moines, IA, budget about $17 in fuel one way, assuming 25 MPG. Longer hauls and premium fuel will cost proportionally more.

Routes tend to go east, so afternoon departures put the sun at your back on the return leg. With an average drive under three hours, you have plenty of flexibility — leave whenever it suits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 23 mapped routes leaving West Des Moines, IA and 22 routes heading into West Des Moines, IA, covering 45 total connections. Distances range from 12 to 253 miles.

The longest mapped route from West Des Moines, IA covers 253 miles and takes approximately 4h 42m. Shorter options start at just 12 miles.

The average route from West Des Moines, IA runs about 115 miles with a drive time of roughly 2h 16m. This includes both short day trips and longer multi-day drives.

At current gas prices (about $3.77/gallon for regular), the average 115-mile trip from West Des Moines, IA costs roughly $17 in fuel one way, based on 25 MPG. Your actual cost depends on your vehicle's efficiency.

The most popular road trip destinations from West Des Moines, IA include Sheldon, IA, Bridgeport, IA, Dubuque, IA and Fort Madison, IA. Each route page has detailed drive times, fuel estimates, stop suggestions, and turn-by-turn directions.

Short Drives from West Des Moines, IA

Longer Road Trips from West Des Moines, IA

Trips to West Des Moines, IA

Nearby Hubs

Other cities within driving distance of West Des Moines, IA that also have route pages.

Browse more IA road trips or choose a route from West Des Moines, IA above.