How far is Harlan, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Harlan, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 102 miles (164.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 88.7 miles (142.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 25m 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 42m.
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, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Harlan and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Harlan and Des Moines.
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1
Start on Willow Street
17 m · 5 sec · Willow Street
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2
Turn right onto 12th Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · 12th Street
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3
Continue on Linden Road
1.1 mi · 2 min · Linden Road
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4
Continue on 800th Street
1965 ft · 44 sec · 800th Street
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5
Turn left
8.5 mi · 12 min
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6
Continue on Avoca Lane
671 ft · 19 sec · Avoca Lane
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7
Take the ramp slight right
1377 ft · 34 sec
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8
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
8.9 mi · 11 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
2031 ft · 1 min
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11
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
2179 ft · 48 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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12
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Harlan and Des Moines.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Avoca Lane
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 01h 28m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Harlan and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Harlan to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 102 miles (164.2 km) and usually takes 01h 42m 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?
Casey is a useful midpoint, sitting about 51.7 miles from Harlan and 50.3 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 88.7 miles (142.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.3 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 3:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.58 one way or $27.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Harlan and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Casey
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 Casey.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Harlan and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 88.72 mi (142.78 km).
#1 Harlan
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 4,795 |
| Coordinates | 41.6530400, -95.3255500 |
| Altitude | 382 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
End: East University Avenue (-93.609114, 41.600425)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 164 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.58 | $27.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.31 | $30.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.75 | $33.51 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.09 | $38.19 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.