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Trip from West Des Moines, IA to Carter Lake, 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 31m

Distance

133 mi

214 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 22m ★
6 AM
2h 32m
8 AM
2h 52m
10 AM
2h 39m
12 PM
2h 37m
3 PM
2h 40m
5 PM
2h 51m
8 PM
2h 26m

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

West Des Moines, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States

Carter Lake, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 133-mile journey from West Des Moines, IA, to Carter Lake, IA, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes. It's a local drive with a significant number of turns, so don't expect a high-speed interstate cruise. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $20, and you'll encounter one planned stop along the way. Given its relatively short distance and duration, this route is best suited for a relaxed, single-day excursion within the Midwest region.

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

66.5 miles from West Des Moines, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
8th Street — —
73rd Street — —
I-235 west — —
John MacVicar Freeway — —
I 80 West — —
I 29 North — —
I 480 West — —
14th Street — —

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: 8th Street — detailed segment metrics are refreshing.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Vine Street

469 ft · 15 sec · Vine Street
2

Turn right onto 8th Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
3

Continue on 73rd Street

0.3 mi · 36 sec · 73rd Street
4

Take the ramp left toward I-235 west

0.3 mi · 41 sec · I-235 west
5

Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway

3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
6

Merge slight right

95 mi · 1 hr 41 min
7

Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska

24 mi · 25 min · I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
8

Keep slight right to continue on I 29 North, I 80 West Local: Council Bluffs

2.9 mi · 3 min · I 29 North, I 80 West Local: Council Bluffs
9

Continue on I 29 North: Sioux City

2.0 mi · 2 min · I 29 North: Sioux City
10

Take the exit slight right toward I 480 West, US 6 West

1.7 mi · 3 min · I 480 West, US 6 West
11

Take the exit slight right toward 14th Street, Old Market District, Creighton University

0.3 mi · 40 sec · 14th Street, Old Market District, Creighton University
12

Turn right onto North 14th Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · North 14th Street
13

Turn right onto Izard Street

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Izard Street
14

Continue on North 11th Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · North 11th Street
15

Turn right onto East Locust Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Locust Street
16

Turn left onto North 9th Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · North 9th Street
17

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

With a duration of just over 2.5 hours, this 133-mile route offers plenty of flexibility for when you depart. You can easily complete it in a single day, making it ideal for a spontaneous trip. Plan for your single stop to break up the 133 miles, and keep the $20 fuel cost in mind. Since this is a turn-heavy local drive, pay close attention to your navigation to avoid missing any crucial turns, especially as you approach Carter Lake.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 66.5 miles from West Des Moines, IA, or about 1h 15m into the drive.

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 29 miles or 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 66.5 miles or 1h 15m 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 4m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Carter Lake, 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 133 miles and 2h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 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.

Where to Stop

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

city in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Avoca, IA

67 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

Stuart, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Avoca, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 66.5 miles from West Des Moines, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15157052030

Visit website

Paula's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

0.3 mi

Ambro's Roadhouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

De Soto, Iowa

1.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Waukee, Iowa

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 9.5

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+15156446331

Visit website

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clive, Iowa

2.7 mi

Café Postale

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Omaha, Nebraska

2.8 mi

St. Kilda Collective

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15157052030

Visit website

Paula's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15152773404

Ambro's Roadhouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19

De Soto, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15158349174

Visit website

Mercy Thai Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 133

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+17128284200

Visit website

Jackson's Fair Deal Café

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 133

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+15314448393

Visit website

El Toreado Restaurant Bar & Grill . EP True

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152262182

Visit website

The Embers Restaurant and Lounge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 85.5

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+17123432419

Visit website

Waveland Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15152794341

Visit website

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 9.5

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+15156446331

Visit website

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+15155090915

Visit website

Café Postale

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 133

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Closed

+14022845019

Visit website

Casey Creamery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 47.5

Casey, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16417462735

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 9.5

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15152078041

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 9.5

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15156446155

Visit website

TMC Chrome Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15154758085

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

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13193210534

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 123.5

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 123.5

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 95

Shelby, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 19

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 133

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 85.5

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 123.5

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 133

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Paris Banh Mi Windsor Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Windsor Heights, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7:30 pm

+15152778888

Visit website

Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 133

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+14025996565

Visit website

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 133

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+14026611804

Visit website

Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 133

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+14025996565

Visit website

Lake Manawa State Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 123.5

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 4 am–10:30 pm

+17123660220

Visit website

The Old Market

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 133

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–1:30 pm

+14023464445

Visit website

Museum Of Shadows

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 133

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 2–10 pm

+14028857557

Visit website

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.79 one way

$41.59 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $22.83 $45.66
premium $4.89 $25.59 $51.19
diesel $5.61 $29.36 $58.73

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 46.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 39.9 0 $13.96 $6.38
Efficient EV 33.3 0 $11.64 $5.32
EV Truck/SUV 53.2 0 $18.62 $8.51

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 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 15, 2026

Origin

West Des Moines, IA

Late night in West Des Moines on Sunday

Local time

5:16 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Carter Lake, IA

Late night in Carter Lake on Sunday

Local time

5:16 AM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

50°F

Avoca, IA

67 mi in

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

24 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 31m 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 for this 133-mile trip, with a highway share of 0%. This means you'll be navigating city streets and county roads for the entirety of your journey. There isn't a longest uninterrupted stretch to note, as the route is characterized by frequent changes in direction. The road will likely feel more like a series of connected local explorations rather than a continuous highway experience, demanding your attention for navigation and speed adjustments.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Main road: 8th Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

1/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from West Des Moines, IA to Carter Lake, IA is easy. At 2h 31m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from West Des Moines, IA to Carter Lake, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

About the Cities

Starting in West Des Moines, IA

Full guide →

West Des Moines is a small city in Central Iowa, the largest suburb of Des Moines.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 31m. Total distance: 133 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from West Des Moines, IA to Carter Lake, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Carter Lake, 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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