How far is Dubuque, IA from Harlan, IA?
The driving distance from Dubuque, IA to Harlan, IA is about 291.5 miles (469.1 km), with a travel time of about 05h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 246.1 miles (396 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 20m 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 05h 40m.
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 of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dubuque and Harlan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Harlan.
-
1
Start on Central Avenue
929 ft · 34 sec · Central Avenue
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2
Take the ramp straight toward US 61 South, US 151 South
1021 ft · 28 sec
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3
Continue straight
5.6 mi · 8 min
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4
Take the exit slight right
57 mi · 1 hr 6 min
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5
Turn left
1.1 mi · 2 min
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6
Turn right
15.2 mi · 19 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown
1.2 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto 16th Avenue Southwest
2.4 mi · 3 min · 16th Avenue Southwest
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9
Continue on 73rd Street
24.4 mi · 28 min · 73rd Street
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10
Continue on Lincoln Highway
37.3 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
1818 ft · 46 sec
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12
Turn left onto Marshalltown Boulevard
33.7 mi · 40 min · Marshalltown Boulevard
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13
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.1 km · 58 sec · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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14
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines
13 mi · 16 min
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15
Continue straight
5.6 mi · 6 min
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16
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
82.7 mi · 1 hr 29 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward US 59: Avoca, Harlan
1681 ft · 33 sec
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18
Turn right
8.2 mi · 11 min
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19
Turn right onto 800th Street
1965 ft · 39 sec · 800th Street
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20
Continue on Linden Road
1.1 mi · 2 min · Linden Road
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21
Continue on 12th Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · 12th Street
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22
Turn left onto Willow Street
17 m · 2 sec · Willow Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Willow Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dubuque and Harlan.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 West
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
82.7 mi · 01h 29m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Dubuque and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Harlan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dubuque to Harlan?
The road trip is about 291.5 miles (469.1 km) and usually takes 05h 40m 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?
Melbourne is a useful midpoint, sitting about 145.5 miles from Dubuque and 146 miles from Harlan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 246.1 miles (396 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.4 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 5:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $38.80 one way or $77.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 91.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Dubuque and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Harlan.
Stop Ideas Near Melbourne
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Melbourne.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dubuque and Harlan. Straight-line distance: 246.07 mi (396.01 km).
#1 Dubuque
The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.
| Population | 57,781 |
| Coordinates | 42.5005600, -90.6645700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Harlan
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 4,795 |
| Coordinates | 41.6530400, -95.3255500 |
| Altitude | 382 |
| Country | United States |
End: Harlan (-95.32555, 41.65304)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 469 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $38.80 | $77.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $43.76 | $87.53 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $47.89 | $95.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $54.58 | $109.16 |
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.