West Des Moines travel guide

West Des Moines Tourism | West Des Moines Guide

You're Going to Love West Des Moines

With a population of 56,609, West Des Moines is a must-see destination in Iowa, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. West Des Moines deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in West Des Moines

If you’re looking for affordable options, Blu Toro (5585 Mills Civic Pkwy) and Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines (950 Jordan Creek Pkwy suite 1100) are great picks.

When to visit West Des Moines

West Des Moines in December
Estimated hotel price
$109
1 night at 3-star hotel
West Des Moines in December
Estimated hotel price
$109
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to West Des Moines

Plane

When flying to West Des Moines, you’ll arrive at Des Moines Airport (DSM), which is located 4 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to West Des Moines include Air Canada, Frontier and United Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to West Des Moines departs from Denver and takes around 1h 43m.

Car

Another option to get to West Des Moines is to pick up a car rental from Kansas City, which is about 179 miles from West Des Moines. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Turo, among others, in Kansas City.

Bus

Megabus operates bus routes to West Des Moines.

Plane

When flying to West Des Moines, you’ll arrive at Des Moines Airport (DSM), which is located 4 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to West Des Moines include Air Canada, Frontier and United Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to West Des Moines departs from Denver and takes around 1h 43m.

Car

Another option to get to West Des Moines is to pick up a car rental from Kansas City, which is about 179 miles from West Des Moines. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Turo, among others, in Kansas City.

Bus

Megabus operates bus routes to West Des Moines.

Airports near West Des Moines

Airlines serving West Des Moines

Lufthansa
Good (4,591 reviews)
KLM
Good (849 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,432 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,602 reviews)
Air France
Good (970 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,549 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,925 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,484 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,698 reviews)
Finnair
Good (877 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (834 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,500 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (775 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,345 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (775 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (457 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,328 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (958 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (816 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of West Des Moines

Most booked hotels in West Des Moines

Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 566 reviews)
$130+
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (9, 616 reviews)
$143+
The Rewind West Des Moines, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, 105 reviews)
$162+
Surety Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 176 reviews)
$143+
Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 321 reviews)
$118+
Hyatt Place West Des Moines/Jordan Creek
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 304 reviews)
$130+

Renting a car in West Des Moines

Renting a car in West Des Moines costs $67 per day, on average, or $134 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 8% more expensive than at Des Moines.

Expect to pay $3.86 per gallon in West Des Moines (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.33 and $61.78. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in West Des Moines, while also 50% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in West Des Moines costs $67 per day, on average, or $134 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 8% more expensive than at Des Moines.

Expect to pay $3.86 per gallon in West Des Moines (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.33 and $61.78. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in West Des Moines, while also 50% cheaper than other types, on average.