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 Air Canada, Frontier and United Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to West Des Moines departs from Austin and takes around 2h 06m.

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.

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 Austin and takes around 2h 06m.

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.

Airports near West Des Moines

Airlines serving West Des Moines

Lufthansa
Good (4,688 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,573 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,608 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,597 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,113 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,953 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,441 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,925 reviews)
Finnair
Good (864 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,712 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,355 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (766 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (771 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (487 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,323 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (976 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (813 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (775 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, 565 reviews)
$131+
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (9, 633 reviews)
$154+
The Rewind West Des Moines, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, 100 reviews)
$171+
Hyatt Place West Des Moines/Jordan Creek
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 298 reviews)
$140+
Surety Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 173 reviews)
$162+
Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 319 reviews)
$121+

Renting a car in West Des Moines

Renting a car in West Des Moines costs $50 per day, on average, or $99 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 30% 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 Compact (Nissan Rogue or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 38% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in West Des Moines costs $50 per day, on average, or $99 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 30% 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 Compact (Nissan Rogue or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 38% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.