Trip from Villisca, IA to West Des Moines, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 12m

Distance

108.8 mi

175 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min

4 AM

2h 4m ★

6 AM

2h 13m

8 AM

2h 32m

10 AM

2h 19m

12 PM

2h 18m

3 PM

2h 20m

5 PM

2h 31m

8 PM

2h 7m

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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Villisca, IA

Tom Fisk

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

West Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 104.4-mile drive from Villisca, Iowa, to West Des Moines, Iowa, will take you approximately 1 hour and 49 minutes. Designed for a single day of travel, it's a manageable trip with a fuel cost estimated at $16. The route primarily utilizes local roads, making it a more involved, turn-heavy experience rather than a straightforward highway cruise. Since both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, you'll be staying within familiar territory. This journey is best suited for those who prefer a more hands-on driving experience with frequent navigation adjustments.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

54.4 miles from Villisca, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 6	62 mi	1h 7m
US 71	32.6 mi	44m
650th Street	6.4 mi	8m
John MacVicar Freeway	3.3 mi	4m
East 7th Street	2 mi	2m
8th Street	1 mi	2m
East 3rd Street	0.5 mi	<1m
South U Avenue	0.4 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: US 6 — 62 mi, about 1h 7m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on East 3rd Street

0.5 mi · 54 sec · East 3rd Street

At end of road, turn right onto South U Avenue

0.4 mi · 57 sec · South U Avenue

Turn left onto West High Street

323 ft · 10 sec · West High Street

Turn right onto US 71

33 mi · 44 min · US 71

Turn right onto US 6; US 71

2.0 mi · 2 min · East 7th Street

Turn left onto US 6; US 71

6.4 mi · 8 min · 650th Street

Take the exit onto US 6

62 mi · 1 hr 7 min · US 6

Keep slight left at fork onto I 235

3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway

Exit 123A Toward I 235 East: Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 3 Toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines Use the slight right lane.

Turn right onto 8th Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · 8th Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto Vine Street

468 ft · 12 sec · Vine Street

Arrive at destination

Vine Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short drive of under two hours, you have plenty of flexibility with your departure time. Consider leaving in the late morning to avoid the earliest rush and arrive in West Des Moines with ample time for afternoon activities. With a fuel cost of around $16, you won't need to worry excessively about refueling stops, but it's always wise to top off before you leave Villisca. The most important tip for this route is to have your navigation readily accessible, as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll be making frequent adjustments.

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 54.4 miles from Villisca, IA, or about 1h 11m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62 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 24 miles or 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 54.4 miles or 1h 11m 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 49m

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 Villisca, 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 Villisca, IA

This is one driving day of about 108.8 miles and 2h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Villisca, IA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on US 6 for about 62 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Atlantic, IA

54 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

Atlantic, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Atlantic, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 54.4 miles from Villisca, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 6 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62 miles.

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

St. Kilda Collective

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 108.8

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15157052030

Visit website

Paula's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

0.3 mi

The Rialto Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Villisca, Iowa

0.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Waukee, Iowa

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 101

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+15156446331

Visit website

Casey Creamery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Casey, Iowa

2.1 mi

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clive, Iowa

2.7 mi

St. Kilda Collective

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 108.8

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 108.8

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152773404

The Rialto Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Villisca, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17128269342

Early Bird West Des Moines

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 101

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+15155282212

Visit website

Desi Fresh Indian Restaurant & Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 101

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15154109494

Visit website

Ambro's Roadhouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.2

De Soto, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15158349174

Visit website

Stack Wellness Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 101

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+15159877392

Visit website

El Toreado Restaurant Bar & Grill . EP True

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.8

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152262182

Visit website

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 101

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+15156446331

Visit website

Casey Creamery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 62.2

Casey, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16417462735

Visit website

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.8

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+15155090915

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 101

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15156446155

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 101

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15152078041

Visit website

coffeegirl

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 31.1

Atlantic, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17122501539

Visit website

Vintage Road Coffee Co. - MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 101

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13193210534

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 108.8

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15154758085

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 93.2

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 77.7

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 101

Waukee, Iowa

+18887584389

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 101

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.1

Atlantic, Iowa

Hours: 12 pm–2 am

+17122432426

Wiota Steakhouse & Lounge

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.9

Wiota, Iowa

Hours: 5–10 pm

+17127839232

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 107.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.5 mi into trip | ~0m in | South U Avenue

At end of road, turn right onto South U Avenue

Navigation decision point

33.5 mi into trip | ~46m in | US 6; US 71 / East 7th Street

Turn right onto US 6; US 71 / East 7th Street

Navigation decision point

103.9 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in | I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway toward I 235 East: Des Moines

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 123A Toward I 235 East: Des Moines

107.2 mi into trip | ~2h 9m 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

107.7 mi into trip | ~2h 10m in | 8th Street

Turn right onto 8th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.01 one way

$34.02 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 38 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$18.68	$37.35
premium	$4.89	$20.94	$41.88
diesel	$5.61	$24.02	$48.04

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 38.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	32.6	$11.42	$5.22
Efficient EV	27.2	$9.52	$4.35
EV Truck/SUV	43.5	$15.23	$6.96

Gas CO2

38 kg

EV CO2

13 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 16, 2026

Origin

Villisca, IA

Night in Villisca on Saturday

Local time

11:27 PM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

West Des Moines, IA

Night in West Des Moines on Saturday

Local time

11:27 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

23 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 12m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, with a 0% highway share. Your journey will weave through Iowa's landscape primarily on roads like South U Avenue, West High Street, and East 7th Street. Given the nature of local roads, you'll be making frequent turns and adjustments, so keep your attention focused. While there isn't a specified longest stretch, the profile suggests a continuous series of turns and changes in direction, making it an engaging drive for those who enjoy active navigation.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 62 mi on US 6.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 6 and US 71. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near South U Avenue.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 12m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (South U Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 33.5 miles (US 6; US 71 / East 7th Street): Navigation decision point; at 103.9 miles (I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 12m. Total distance: 108.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 62 miles on US 6. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at West Des Moines, IA before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore More

Explore more options from Villisca, IA or browse trips ending in West Des Moines, IA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.

Trip from Villisca, IA to West Des Moines, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

St. Kilda Collective

Playgrounds Cafe

St. Kilda Collective

Paula's Cafe

The Rialto Cafe

Early Bird West Des Moines

Desi Fresh Indian Restaurant & Cafe

Ambro's Roadhouse

Stack Wellness Cafe

El Toreado Restaurant Bar & Grill . EP True

Playgrounds Cafe

Casey Creamery

SweetDude Coffee & Café

Hyper Energy Bar

Hyper Energy Bar

coffeegirl

Vintage Road Coffee Co. - MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

TMC Chrome Cafe

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Red E Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Hayloft

Paris Banh Mi Windsor Heights

Z'Mariks Noodle Cafe

University Library Cafe

Fireside Lounge

Wiota Steakhouse & Lounge

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Villisca, IA

West Des Moines, IA

Same local time

23 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 12m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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