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 Johnny's Italian Steakhouse - Jordan Creek (6075 Mills Civic Pkwy) 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 American Airlines, Delta and Air Canada. The shortest domestic flight to West Des Moines departs from Houston and takes around 2h 10m.

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 Sixt and Hertz, among others, in Kansas City.

Bus

Bus 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 American Airlines, Delta and Air Canada. The shortest domestic flight to West Des Moines departs from Houston and takes around 2h 10m.

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 Sixt and Hertz, among others, in Kansas City.

Bus

Bus operates bus routes to West Des Moines.

Airports near West Des Moines

Airlines serving West Des Moines

Lufthansa
Good (4,681 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,609 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,585 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,602 reviews)
Air France
Good (978 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,110 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,436 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,975 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,981 reviews)
Finnair
Good (857 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,752 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,358 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (757 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (773 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (486 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,323 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (964 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (812 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (778 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, 559 reviews)
$133+
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (9, 635 reviews)
$162+
The Rewind West Des Moines, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, 102 reviews)
$185+
Hyatt Place West Des Moines/Jordan Creek
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 299 reviews)
$140+
Surety Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 178 reviews)
$164+
Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 319 reviews)
$122+

Renting a car in West Des Moines

Renting a car in West Des Moines costs $62 per day, on average, or $124 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 5% cheaper than airport locations in West Des Moines.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in West Des Moines is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 42% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in West Des Moines costs $62 per day, on average, or $124 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 5% cheaper than airport locations in West Des Moines.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in West Des Moines is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 42% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.