How far is Des Moines, IA from Alta, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Alta, IA is about 163.3 miles (262.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 113.6 miles (182.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 24m 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 12m.
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 Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Alta.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Alta.
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1
Start on East University Avenue
147 m · 39 sec · East University Avenue
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2
Turn uturn onto East University Avenue
2836 ft · 1 min · East University Avenue
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3
Turn right onto East 14th Street
1908 ft · 58 sec · East 14th Street
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4
Take the ramp left toward US 69, East 14th Street, East 15th STreet
1.3 km · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
4.8 mi · 6 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Continue straight
54.3 mi · 59 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
1664 ft · 57 sec
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8
Merge slight left
85.7 mi · 1 hr 39 min
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9
Turn right onto Gard Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Gard Avenue
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10
Continue on 90th Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · 90th Avenue
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11
At the end of the road, turn left onto 630th Street
2647 ft · 43 sec · 630th Street
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12
Turn right onto 85th Avenue
951 ft · 17 sec · 85th Avenue
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13
Continue on State Highway 110
2.7 mi · 4 min · State Highway 110
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14
Continue on State Highway 110
1595 ft · 30 sec · State Highway 110
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15
Continue on 90th Avenue
1549 ft · 34 sec · 90th Avenue
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16
Turn left onto Highway 7
3.3 mi · 5 min · Highway 7
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17
Turn right onto 60th Avenue
613 ft · 27 sec · 60th Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 60th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines 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 Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers near Alta.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Alta?
The road trip is about 163.3 miles (262.8 km) and usually takes 03h 12m 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 81.6 miles from Des Moines and 81.8 miles from Alta.
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 49.7 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 10:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.72 one way or $43.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Moines and Chance Rain Showers near Alta.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Alta. Straight-line distance: 113.65 mi (182.91 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| 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: 263 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.72 | $43.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.50 | $48.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.81 | $53.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.55 | $61.10 |
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.