Origin
Harlan, IA
Night in Harlan on Friday
Local time
11:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Harlan, IA to Des Moines, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 59m
Distance
103.6 mi
167 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
20 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 51m
★
6 AM
2h 0m
8 AM
2h 17m
10 AM
2h 6m
12 PM
2h 4m
3 PM
2h 6m
5 PM
2h 16m
8 PM
1h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Harlan, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Des Moines, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Harlan, IA to Des Moines, IA is 103.6 miles and takes about 1 hour 59 minutes via I 80, with a fuel budget near $16 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, single-day trip connecting two points within the Midwest, specifically across Iowa. With 96% of the drive on highways, expect a focused journey primarily on Interstate 80. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two locations without significant detours. You'll find it a practical and predictable drive, perfect for a quick transfer or a segment of a larger road trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
51.8 miles from Harlan, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 59m. Total distance: 103.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 96% of the journey utilizing major interstates and highways. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including an uninterrupted segment of 82.1 miles on I 80. The character of the drive is largely consistent, emphasizing forward momentum over varied scenery. Expect a smooth, predictable experience as you navigate primarily through I 80 and connect via John MacVicar Freeway and US 59. It's designed for efficient travel, minimizing distractions and maximizing mileage covered per hour.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 80 is the longest continuous segment at about 82.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and John MacVicar Freeway. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 12th Street.
Driving Effort
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from Harlan, IA to Des Moines, IA is easy. At 1h 59m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 3 miles (US 59): Navigation decision point; at 93.9 miles (I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
12th Street
Turn right onto 12th Street
Navigation decision point
3
3 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
US 59
Turn left onto US 59
Navigation decision point
8
93.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
|
I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway toward I 235 East: Des Moines
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 123A
Toward I 235 East: Des Moines
8
102.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 57m in
Take the exit toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 8B
Toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylva...
4
103.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 58m in
|
Pennsylvania Avenue
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 82.1 mi | 1h 28m |
| John MacVicar Freeway | 8.9 mi | 11m |
| US 59 | 8.5 mi | 11m |
| 12th Street | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Linden Road | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Pennsylvania Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| 800th Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Avoca Lane | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 82.1 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Harlan, IA and Des Moines, IA.
1
Start on Willow Street
55 ft
·
4 sec
·
Willow Street
2
Turn right onto 12th Street
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
12th Street
3
Continue on Linden Road
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Linden Road
4
Continue on 800th Street
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
800th Street
5
Turn left onto US 59
8.5 mi
·
11 min
·
US 59
6
Continue on US 59
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Avoca Lane
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
8
Merge onto I 80
82 mi
·
1 hr 28 min
·
I 80
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 235
8.9 mi
·
11 min
·
John MacVicar Freeway
Exit 123A
Toward I 235 East: Des Moines
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 8B
Toward East Village, East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
11
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
Pennsylvania Avenue
12
Turn left onto East University Avenue
100 ft
·
8 sec
·
East University Avenue
13
Arrive at destination
East University Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under two hours, this trip offers plenty of flexibility. You can comfortably depart at any time of day without needing to split the drive. Plan for your fuel needs, as the estimated cost is around $16, and there are no specific stops recommended on this direct route. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 82.1 miles on I 80, to ensure you don't need to search for services unexpectedly. This is a drive where you can truly focus on getting from point A to point B efficiently.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 51.8 miles from Harlan, IA, or about 1h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 23 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.8 miles or 1h in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Des Moines, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Harlan, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Harlan, IA
This is one driving day of about 103.6 miles and 1h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Harlan, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 82.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 51.8 mi from Harlan, IA · 1h into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
52 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 51.8 miles from Harlan, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.1 miles.
Arriving in Des Moines, IA
The final approach into Des Moines, IA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.95 one way
$31.89 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
36 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $17.51 | $35.02 |
| premium | $4.89 | $19.63 | $39.26 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $22.52 | $45.04 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
20 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Hy-Vee - Tesla Supercharger
West Des Moines, IA
Tesla
8 DCFC
Kum & Go - Tesla Supercharger
Des Moines, IA
Tesla
8 DCFC
Fareway Store #106 (Clive, IA)
Clive, IA
Electrify America
6 DCFC
1019 N Chestnut St
Avoca, IA
CHARGELAB
4 DCFC
804 Nile Kinnick Drive
Adel, IA
CHARGELAB
4 DCFC
Waukee Kum & Go 540 (Waukee, Iowa)
Waukee, IA
Electrify America
4 DCFC
155 West Hickman Rd
Waukee, IA
CHARGELAB
4 DCFC
11989 Hickman Rd
Urbandale, IA
CHARGELAB
4 DCFC
CHARGELAB: 10
Electrify America: 3
Tesla: 2
ChargePoint Network: 2
RED_E: 1
Non-Networked: 1
Blink Network: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 31.1 | 0 | $10.88 | $4.97 |
| Efficient EV | 25.9 | 0 | $9.07 | $4.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 41.4 | 0 | $14.50 | $6.63 |
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Des Moines, IA
Night in Des Moines on Friday
Local time
11:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 59m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Harlan, IA to Des Moines, IA covers 103.6 miles and takes about 1h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, John MacVicar Freeway, US 59. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 51.8 miles from Harlan, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.20 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
The drive from Harlan, IA to Des Moines, IA is easy. At 1h 59m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 3 miles (US 59): Navigation decision point; at 93.9 miles (I 235 / John MacVicar Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Harlan, IA to Des Moines, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NREL for EV charging. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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