Driving from Ankeny to West Des Moines: A Guide to the Best Routes and Drive Times
Are you planning a road trip from Ankeny to West Des Moines? While the distance between the two cities is fairly short, the time it takes to drive between them can vary depending on several factors, including traffic patterns and your choice of route. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the fastest and slowest routes from Ankeny to West Des Moines, how long it takes to drive each one, and some tips for optimizing your drive time.
The Fastest Route: I-35 S and I-235 W (14.5 miles, 20-25 minutes)
The fastest route from Ankeny to West Des Moines is to take I-35 S and I-235 W. This route covers a distance of 14.5 miles and typically takes 20-25 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. If you’re driving during peak traffic times, such as rush hour on weekdays, you should expect some delays, especially as you approach the downtown Des Moines area. However, if you can time your drive outside of peak hours, you’ll likely experience a much smoother ride.
The Scenic Route: Hwy 69 and Grand Ave. (16.4 miles, 25-30 minutes)
If you’re in no rush to get to West Des Moines and would like to take a more scenic route, consider driving down Hwy 69 and then turning onto Grand Ave. This route covers a distance of 16.4 miles and often takes 25-30 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. While this route may take slightly longer than the others, it offers some beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and more opportunities to explore some of the smaller towns along the way.
The Slowest Route: Local Streets Through Des Moines (17.8 miles, 30-35 minutes)
While it’s always good to know the fastest and most scenic routes, it’s also important to be aware of any routes that may take longer than expected. In this case, the slowest route from Ankeny to West Des Moines is to take local streets through the Des Moines area. This route covers a distance of 17.8 miles and can take anywhere from 30-35 minutes or more to drive, depending on traffic. While this route may offer some advantages, such as being able to stop and explore some of the unique neighborhoods along the way, it’s not recommended if you’re in a hurry.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long it takes to drive from Ankeny to West Des Moines. That being said, if you take the time to research your route ahead of time and factor in any expected traffic patterns, you can plan for a successful and efficient trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest way to get to your destination or would like to take a more scenic route, there are plenty of options to choose from. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!