Trying to figure out how long it takes to get from Grimes to downtown Des Moines, Jordan Creek, or the airport? You are not alone. When you know the routes, peak times, and backup options, your daily drive feels a lot easier. In this guide, you will learn the fastest paths, typical travel times, and today’s transit and rideshare choices so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Grimes at a glance
Grimes is a growing northwest suburb of Des Moines with quick access to the metro. The city reported a 2020 population of about 15,392 and continues to add new development and housing. You are close to Johnston, Urbandale, and Clive, which gives you several route choices into major job centers. For community context, see the city’s overview page on Grimes’ official site.
Main routes from Grimes
- Iowa Highway 141 to the I-35/I-80 Urban Loop near Urbandale is the primary corridor for many commuters. Learn more about the route on the Iowa 141 overview.
- Iowa 44 and local arterials connect you into Johnston, Urbandale, and Clive, then onto the interstate system.
- Expect variable speeds during peak windows and when there is construction or incidents on these corridors. Leaving a little earlier or later can help.
Typical drive times
Times below are typical under normal conditions. Weather, incidents, and construction can add time, especially during peak hours.
Downtown Des Moines
- Distance: roughly 15 to 17 miles.
- Time: about 20 to 25 minutes off-peak. Peak can push it to 30 minutes or more. Source for typical range: mapped Grimes to Des Moines distance.
West Des Moines and Jordan Creek
- Distance: roughly 10 to 15 miles depending on destination.
- Time: about 15 to 25 minutes. Many commuters use I-35/I-80 connections for the Jordan Creek area.
Ankeny
- Distance: about 14 to 16 miles.
- Time: about 20 to 25 minutes via Johnston and IA 415 corridors. See typical range from Grimes to Ankeny mapping.
Johnston and Urbandale
- Distance: Johnston is approximately 4 to 6 miles from central Grimes.
- Time: about 10 minutes off-peak. Urbandale is a short hop as well depending on destination. Reference: Grimes to Johnston distance.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- Time: generally 20 to 35 minutes in normal conditions. Add extra time during rush periods or big events.
Transit and rideshare options today
- DART ended all services within the City of Grimes in June 2025 after the city withdrew from DART membership. Review the official notice on DART’s June service changes.
- The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) now coordinates local demand-response and paratransit options for Grimes residents. Check the city’s partnership update and contact details in the HIRTA service announcement, and visit HIRTA for booking information on the HIRTA site.
- If you commute to downtown or a business park, consider a vanpool. DART’s regional vanpool program can match riders and manage vehicles. See DART’s Caravan vanpool.
- Park and ride can still work from nearby suburbs. During the 2025 changes, DART referenced a park-and-ride location in Urbandale. Always confirm current availability on DART’s updates page before you rely on a specific lot.
Biking and trails
Grimes connects to regional multiuse trails, which some residents use for short commutes or as part of a park-and-ride strategy. For route ideas, explore Grimes-area bike trails. For many metro job centers, the distance makes daily biking a challenge, so plan a realistic route and check for temporary trail closures or detours.
Smart commute tips
- Time your trip. Peak windows are roughly 6:30 to 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Shifting by 15 to 30 minutes can noticeably reduce your drive.
- Know your pinch points. IA 141 and the I-35/I-80 interchange see higher volumes and can slow during incidents or work zones.
- Use real-time tools. Check traveler info services like Iowa 511 for conditions, then use Google Maps or Waze for live routing.
- Have a backup route. Keep an alternate path in mind through Johnston or Urbandale for days with incidents.
- Consider vanpooling if you commute daily to a single site. It cuts costs and reduces parking stress.
- If you need transit, verify provider and booking. HIRTA manages local services for Grimes and has its own hours and policies.
How your commute affects your home search
Your daily route should shape where you buy. If you want the fastest hop onto IA 141 or the Urban Loop, focus on neighborhoods with quick access to those corridors. If you prioritize quieter streets over speed, we can look a bit farther from the main arterials and plan the timing of your drive. I will help you weigh tradeoffs between commute time, budget, and home features so your choice works day in and day out.
Ready to find a home that fits your commute and your life? Reach out to Amer M Real Estate for local guidance and a smooth plan from search to closing.
FAQs
How long is the drive from Grimes to downtown Des Moines during rush hour?
- Off-peak is about 20 to 25 minutes, and rush hour often adds 10 to 20 minutes depending on incidents and congestion.
Does Grimes have direct bus service into Des Moines in 2025?
- No. DART ended services in Grimes in June 2025, and HIRTA now coordinates local demand-response and paratransit options for residents.
What are realistic alternatives to driving alone from Grimes?
- Vanpools through regional programs, carpools with coworkers or neighbors, and flexible work schedules when available.
Can I still use a park-and-ride if I live in Grimes?
- Yes, but you will likely park in a nearby suburb. Always check current availability and rules before you go.
Is biking to work from Grimes practical?
- It can work for shorter trips or as part of a multimodal plan, but distances to many metro job centers make daily bike commutes challenging.
