How far is Alta, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Alta, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 247 miles (397.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 204.9 miles (329.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 49m 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 03h 54m.
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.
Human settlement in Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alta and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alta and Iowa City.
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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 · 20 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
157.8 mi · 3 hr 2 min · 220th Street
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10
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
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13
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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15
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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16
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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17
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alta and Iowa City.
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
158 mi · 03h 02m
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.
Sunny leaving Alta and Sunny near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alta to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 247 miles (397.5 km) and usually takes 03h 54m 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 123.2 miles from Alta and 123.8 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 204.9 miles (329.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.1 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 9:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.88 one way or $65.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Alta and Sunny near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alta and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 204.86 mi (329.69 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 Iowa City
The most populous city in Johnson County, Iowa.
| Population | 75,130 |
| Coordinates | 41.6611300, -91.5301700 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Gilbert Street (-91.530165, 41.661126)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 397 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.88 | $65.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $37.09 | $74.17 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $40.58 | $81.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $46.25 | $92.50 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.