Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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, Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines (950 Jordan Creek Pkwy suite 1100) and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines (440 S 68th St) are great picks.

When to visit West Des Moines

West Des Moines in December
Estimated hotel price
$111
1 night at 3-star hotel
West Des Moines in December
Estimated hotel price
$111
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 American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to West Des Moines departs from Nashville and takes around 1h 40m.

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 Payless and Turo, among others, in Kansas City.

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 American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to West Des Moines departs from Nashville and takes around 1h 40m.

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 Payless and Turo, among others, in Kansas City.

Airports near West Des Moines

ALOWaterloo
FODFort Dodge
DSMDes Moines

Airlines serving West Des Moines

KLM
Good (1,430 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,632 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,008 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,582 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,094 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,683 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,052 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,441 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,506 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,531 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,606 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,337 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,469 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,486 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,082 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,892 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,025 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,662 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,186 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,629 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in West Des Moines

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Sleep Inn and Suites West Des Moines near Jordan Creek and Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Des Moines - Jordan West By IHG.

Where to stay in popular areas of West Des Moines

Most booked hotels in West Des Moines

See all
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
3 stars
Excellent (9.3, 1034 reviews)
$86+
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Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (9, 393 reviews)
$127+
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Hampton Inn by Hilton West Des Moines Lake Drive
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 824 reviews)
$73+
View
West Des Moines Marriott
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 165 reviews)
$132+
View
Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 162 reviews)
$161+
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Hyatt Place West Des Moines/Jordan Creek
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 441 reviews)
$104+
View

Renting a car in West Des Moines

Renting a car in West Des Moines costs $52 per day, on average, or $105 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 4% cheaper than airport locations in West Des Moines.

Expect to pay $3.29 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 $39.52 and $52.69. The most frequently booked car type in West Des Moines is Full-size (Ford Transit or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 64% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in West Des Moines costs $52 per day, on average, or $105 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 4% cheaper than airport locations in West Des Moines.

Expect to pay $3.29 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 $39.52 and $52.69. The most frequently booked car type in West Des Moines is Full-size (Ford Transit or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 64% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in West Des Moines

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$39/day

Economy

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$39/day

Compact
Find car rentals in West Des Moines