How far is Des Moines, IA from Clarion, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Clarion, IA is about 89.3 miles (143.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78.4 miles (126.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 36m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 48m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Clarion.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Clarion.
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1
Start on East University Avenue
147 m · 39 sec · East University Avenue
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2
Turn uturn onto East University Avenue
2836 ft · 1 min · East University Avenue
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3
Turn right onto East 14th Street
1908 ft · 58 sec · East 14th Street
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4
Take the ramp left toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet
1.3 km · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
4.8 mi · 6 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Continue straight
54.3 mi · 59 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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8
Merge slight left
3.3 mi · 4 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 69
1984 ft · 51 sec
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10
Turn right onto Little Wall Lake Road
19.5 mi · 27 min · Little Wall Lake Road
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11
Turn left onto 220th Street
4 mi · 5 min · 220th Street
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12
Continue on Central Avenue East
1.4 km · 1 min · Central Avenue East
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue West
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Clarion.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
John MacVicar Freeway
Continue straight
54.3 mi · 00h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Des Moines and Sunny near Clarion.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Clarion?
The road trip is about 89.3 miles (143.7 km) and usually takes 01h 48m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Story City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 44.7 miles from Des Moines and 44.6 miles from Clarion.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78.4 miles (126.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.88 one way or $23.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Des Moines and Sunny near Clarion.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Clarion. Straight-line distance: 78.41 mi (126.19 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Clarion
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,678 |
| Coordinates | 42.7316400, -93.7329900 |
| Altitude | 357 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clarion (-93.73299, 42.73164)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 144 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.88 | $23.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.40 | $26.79 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.66 | $29.32 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.71 | $33.42 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.