Driving Time from Ames to West Des Moines
Driving from Ames to West Des Moines is about 42 mi and takes roughly 57 min. See the fuel-cost estimate, distance and route tips.
Ames and West Des Moines are about 32 mi (51 km) apart in a straight line. By road that works out to roughly 42 mi (67 km), a drive of about 57 min. A nonstop flight covers the great-circle distance in approximately 34 min.
| Straight-line distance | 32 mi / 51 km |
| Road distance (est.) | 42 mi / 67 km |
| Driving time (est.) | 57 min |
| Nonstop flight (est.) | 34 min |
| Driving fuel (est., 1-way) | $5 |
| Typical flight fare | $80–$250 |
| Geographic midpoint | 41.806, -93.666 |
How these estimates work
Straight-line distance uses the haversine formula on each city's coordinates. Road distance applies a circuity factor (~1.2–1.4×) and driving time a blended average speed. Flight time uses typical jet cruise speed plus ~30 minutes for taxi, climb and descent. Treat all figures as planning estimates.
Frequently asked questions
Ames to West Des Moines is about 32 mi (51 km) in a straight line, and roughly 42 mi (67 km) by road.