How far is Des Moines, IA from Alton, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Alton, IA is about 222.2 miles (357.6 km), with a travel time of about 04h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 155.7 miles (250.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 54m 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 04h 27m.
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 Iowa, 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 Alton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Alton.
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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
121.1 mi · 2 hr 21 min
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9
Turn right onto Lee Avenue
5.4 mi · 7 min · Lee Avenue
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10
Continue on Shamrock Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · Shamrock Avenue
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11
Turn left onto 320th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 320th Street
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12
Turn right onto State Highway 140
15.1 mi · 21 min · State Highway 140
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13
Continue on County Road L14
7 mi · 10 min · County Road L14
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14
Continue on Kiwi Avenue
5 mi · 7 min · Kiwi Avenue
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15
At the end of the road, turn left onto 460th Street
1.8 mi · 2 min · 460th Street
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16
Continue on State Highway 10
1388 ft · 27 sec · State Highway 10
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17
Turn left onto East Division Street
1.4 km · 2 min · East Division Street
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18
Turn right onto 3rd Avenue
1794 ft · 41 sec · 3rd Avenue
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19
Turn left onto West 10th Street
48 m · 9 sec · West 10th Street
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20
Turn right
34 m · 8 sec
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Alton.
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
121 mi · 02h 21m
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 Alton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Alton?
The road trip is about 222.2 miles (357.6 km) and usually takes 04h 27m 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 111 miles from Des Moines and 111.2 miles from Alton.
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 66.5 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 8:06 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.56 one way or $59.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 69.7 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 Alton.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Alton. Straight-line distance: 155.7 mi (250.58 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alton
Human settlement in Sioux County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,249 |
| Coordinates | 42.9874900, -96.0105700 |
| Altitude | 404 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alton (-96.01057, 42.98749)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 358 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.56 | $59.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $33.34 | $66.69 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $36.49 | $72.97 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $41.58 | $83.17 |
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.