How far is Alton, IA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Alton, IA to Des Moines, IA is about 221.1 miles (355.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 155.7 miles (250.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 03m 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 31m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alton and Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alton and Des Moines.
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1
Start on the route
34 m · 13 sec
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2
Turn left onto West 10th Street
48 m · 9 sec · West 10th Street
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3
Turn right onto 3rd Avenue
1794 ft · 43 sec · 3rd Avenue
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4
Turn left onto Division Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Division Street
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5
At the end of the road, turn right onto State Highway 10
1388 ft · 22 sec · State Highway 10
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6
Continue on 460th Street
1.8 mi · 2 min · 460th Street
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7
Turn right onto Kiwi Avenue
5 mi · 7 min · Kiwi Avenue
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8
Continue on County Road L14
7 mi · 10 min · County Road L14
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9
Continue on State Highway 140
15.1 mi · 21 min · State Highway 140
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10
Turn left onto 320th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 320th Street
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11
Turn right onto Shamrock Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · Shamrock Avenue
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12
Continue on Lee Avenue
5.4 mi · 8 min · Lee Avenue
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13
Turn left onto Highway 20
19 mi · 23 min · Highway 20
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14
Continue on United States Highway 20
8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
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15
Continue on 220th Street
93.4 mi · 1 hr 48 min · 220th Street
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16
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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17
Merge slight left
54.5 mi · 59 min
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18
Keep slight left to continue on I 235 West: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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19
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
4 mi · 5 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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20
Take the exit slight right toward East 6th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Village
1580 ft · 39 sec
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21
Keep slight right to continue on East Village, East 6th Street, Penn Avenue
1740 ft · 45 sec
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22
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1647 ft · 35 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
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23
Turn left onto East University Avenue
30 m · 9 sec · East University Avenue
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alton 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
Continue on 220th Street
93.4 mi · 01h 48m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Alton and Slight 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 Alton to Des Moines?
The road trip is about 221.1 miles (355.9 km) and usually takes 03h 31m 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?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 110.7 miles from Alton and 110.5 miles from Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 155.7 miles (250.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 65.4 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 9:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.41 one way or $58.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 69.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Alton and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Moines.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alton and Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 155.7 mi (250.58 km).
#1 Alton
Human settlement in Sioux County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,249 |
| Coordinates | 42.9874900, -96.0105700 |
| Altitude | 404 |
| 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: 356 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.41 | $58.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $33.17 | $66.35 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $36.30 | $72.60 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $41.37 | $82.74 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.