How far is Ankeny, IA from Alta, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Alta, IA is about 154 miles (247.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 108.1 miles (174 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 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 01m.
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.
City in Webster County, Iowa, in the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Alta.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Alta.
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1
Start on Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 4 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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2
Turn right onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 37 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto West 1st Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · West 1st Street
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4
Take the ramp slight left
1707 ft · 42 sec
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5
Merge slight left
49.6 mi · 54 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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7
Merge slight left
85.7 mi · 1 hr 39 min
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8
Turn right onto Gard Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Gard Avenue
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9
Continue on 90th Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · 90th Avenue
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10
At the end of the road, turn left onto 630th Street
2647 ft · 43 sec · 630th Street
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11
Turn right onto 85th Avenue
951 ft · 17 sec · 85th Avenue
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12
Continue on State Highway 110
2.7 mi · 4 min · State Highway 110
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13
Continue on State Highway 110
1595 ft · 30 sec · State Highway 110
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14
Continue on 90th Avenue
1549 ft · 34 sec · 90th Avenue
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15
Turn left onto Highway 7
3.3 mi · 5 min · Highway 7
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16
Turn right onto 60th Avenue
613 ft · 27 sec · 60th Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 60th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Alta.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 West
Merge slight left
85.7 mi · 01h 39m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Ankeny and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Alta.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Alta?
The road trip is about 154 miles (247.8 km) and usually takes 03h 01m 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?
Duncombe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.9 miles from Ankeny and 77.1 miles from Alta.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 108.1 miles (174 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.9 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 10:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.48 one way or $40.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Ankeny and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Alta.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Alta. Straight-line distance: 108.11 mi (173.99 km).
#1 Ankeny
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 70,068 |
| Coordinates | 41.7297100, -93.6057700 |
| Altitude | 302 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alta
City in Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,916 |
| Coordinates | 42.6735900, -95.2905500 |
| Altitude | 454 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alta (-95.29055, 42.67359)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 248 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.48 | $40.95 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.09 | $46.19 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.27 | $50.54 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.80 | $57.60 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.