How far is Alta, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Alta, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 151.5 miles (243.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 110.9 miles (178.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 14m 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 37m.
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.
Human settlement in Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
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 West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alta and West 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 · 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
53.8 mi · 1 hr 2 min · 220th Street
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 169
1966 ft · 55 sec
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11
Turn right onto Lainson Avenue
12.2 mi · 17 min · Lainson Avenue
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12
Turn left onto 360th Street
4 mi · 6 min · 360th Street
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13
Turn right onto Paragon Avenue
4 mi · 5 min · Paragon Avenue
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14
Continue on D Avenue
12.1 mi · 17 min · D Avenue
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15
Turn left onto 220th Street
3 mi · 4 min · 220th Street
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16
Turn right onto G Avenue
9.7 mi · 13 min · G Avenue
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17
Turn left onto 320th Street
1 mi · 1 min · 320th Street
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18
Turn right onto H Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · H Avenue
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19
Continue on N Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · N Avenue
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20
Take the exit left toward IA 141 east: Urbandale
1677 ft · 46 sec
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21
Continue on Northwest Granger Drive
15.6 mi · 19 min · Northwest Granger Drive
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22
Continue on Northwest 114th Street
2.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 114th Street
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23
Continue on Northeast Grimes Boulevard
1.6 km · 1 min · Northeast Grimes Boulevard
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24
Continue on Grimes Boulevard
3087 ft · 50 sec · Grimes Boulevard
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25
Continue on Southeast Grimes Boulevard
1.8 mi · 3 min · Southeast Grimes Boulevard
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26
Take the exit slight right toward I-35 south, I-80 west: Kansas City, Council Bluffs
1.1 km · 1 min
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27
Merge slight left
3.3 mi · 4 min
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28
Keep slight left
2012 ft · 26 sec
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29
Take the exit slight right toward I 235 East: West Des Moines, Des Moines
2327 ft · 57 sec · Ramp 72 I
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30
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
2.8 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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31
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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32
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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33
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 sec · Vine Street
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34
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alta and West Des Moines.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
220th Street
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
53.8 mi · 01h 02m
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 West Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alta to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 151.5 miles (243.8 km) and usually takes 02h 37m 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?
Otho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.7 miles from Alta and 75.8 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 110.9 miles (178.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 40.6 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 1:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.14 one way or $40.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.5 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 West Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alta and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 110.85 mi (178.39 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 West Des Moines
The most populous city in Dallas County, Iowa.
| Population | 69,057 |
| Coordinates | 41.5772100, -93.7113300 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
End: Vine Street (-93.71133, 41.577301)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 244 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.14 | $40.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.71 | $45.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.85 | $49.70 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.32 | $56.65 |
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.