How far is West Des Moines, IA from Harlan, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Harlan, IA is about 98.4 miles (158.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 83.6 miles (134.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 45m 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 52m.
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 Adair and Guthrie Counties in the US state of Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Des Moines and Harlan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Harlan.
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1
Start on Vine Street
143 m · 15 sec · Vine Street
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2
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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3
Continue on 73rd Street
1465 ft · 38 sec · 73rd Street
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4
Take the ramp left toward I-235 west
1686 ft · 41 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Merge slight right
82 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 59: Avoca, Harlan
1681 ft · 33 sec
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8
Turn right
8.2 mi · 11 min
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9
Turn right onto 800th Street
1965 ft · 39 sec · 800th Street
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10
Continue on Linden Road
1.1 mi · 2 min · Linden Road
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11
Continue on 12th Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · 12th Street
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12
Turn left onto Willow Street
17 m · 2 sec · Willow Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Willow Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Des Moines 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.
John MacVicar Freeway
Merge slight right
82 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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines to Harlan?
The road trip is about 98.4 miles (158.4 km) and usually takes 01h 52m 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?
Adair is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.1 miles from West Des Moines and 49.3 miles from Harlan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 83.6 miles (134.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.8 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 2:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.09 one way or $26.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around West Des Moines and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Harlan.
Stop Ideas Near Adair
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 Adair.
Creston
Osceola
Omaha
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Harlan. Straight-line distance: 83.55 mi (134.46 km).
#1 West Des Moines
The most populous city in Dallas County, Iowa.
| Population | 69,057 |
| Coordinates | 41.5772100, -93.7113300 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| 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: 158 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.09 | $26.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.76 | $29.52 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.15 | $32.30 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.40 | $36.81 |
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.