How far is Alta, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Alta, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 162.9 miles (262.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 113.6 miles (182.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 06m 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 02h 33m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, in the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alta and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alta and Des Moines.
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1
Start on 60th Avenue
613 ft · 28 sec · 60th Avenue
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2
Turn left onto Highway 7
3.3 mi · 5 min · Highway 7
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3
Turn right onto 90th Avenue
1549 ft · 29 sec · 90th Avenue
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4
Continue on State Highway 110
3 mi · 4 min · State Highway 110
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5
Turn straight onto 85th Avenue
951 ft · 22 sec · 85th Avenue
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6
Turn left onto 630th Street
2647 ft · 43 sec · 630th Street
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7
Turn right onto 90th Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · 90th Avenue
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8
Continue on Gard Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Gard Avenue
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
85.3 mi · 1 hr 39 min · 220th Street
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left
54.5 mi · 59 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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13
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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15
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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16
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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17
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alta 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.
220th Street
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
85.3 mi · 01h 39m
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 Alta and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then 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 Alta to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 162.9 miles (262.1 km) and usually takes 02h 33m 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?
Duncombe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.2 miles from Alta and 81.6 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 113.6 miles (182.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 49.3 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 1:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.68 one way or $43.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Alta and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alta and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 113.65 mi (182.91 km).
#1 Alta
City in Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,916 |
| Coordinates | 42.6735900, -95.2905500 |
| Altitude | 454 |
| 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: 262 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.68 | $43.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.45 | $48.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.76 | $53.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.50 | $61.00 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.