How far is Des Moines, IA from Hartley, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Hartley, IA is about 208.6 miles (335.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 144.9 miles (233.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 33m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 16m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Hartley.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Hartley.
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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
81.3 mi · 1 hr 34 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake
1974 ft · 57 sec
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10
Turn right
45.2 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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11
Turn left onto 360th Street
1.6 mi · 2 min · 360th Street
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12
Turn right onto 200th Avenue
1.5 km · 1 min · 200th Avenue
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13
Continue on 32nd Avenue West
1341 ft · 33 sec · 32nd Avenue West
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14
Turn left onto West 4th Street
1 mi · 1 min · West 4th Street
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15
Continue on County Road B24
1 mi · 1 min · County Road B24
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16
Turn right onto 180th Avenue
2.8 mi · 4 min · 180th Avenue
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17
Turn left onto 320th Street
12.5 mi · 18 min · 320th Street
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18
Turn left onto North Central Avenue
1779 ft · 1 min · North Central Avenue
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19
Turn left onto 1st Street Southeast
8 m · 1 sec · 1st Street Southeast
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Street Southeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Hartley.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 West
Merge slight left
81.3 mi · 01h 34m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Des Moines and Slight Chance Snow Showers near Hartley.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Hartley?
The road trip is about 208.6 miles (335.7 km) and usually takes 04h 16m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 104.2 miles from Des Moines and 104.4 miles from Hartley.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 144.9 miles (233.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 63.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:26 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.75 one way or $55.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 65.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Des Moines and Slight Chance Snow Showers near Hartley.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Hartley. Straight-line distance: 144.89 mi (233.17 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Hartley
Human settlement in O'Brien County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,556 |
| Coordinates | 43.1799700, -95.4769500 |
| Altitude | 446 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hartley (-95.47695, 43.17997)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 336 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.75 | $55.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.30 | $62.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $34.25 | $68.51 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $39.04 | $78.07 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.