How far is Des Moines, IA from Altoona, IA?
The driving distance from Des Moines, IA to Altoona, IA is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 8 miles (12.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 37m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 18m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
American city in Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Moines and Altoona.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Moines and Altoona.
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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
1.3 km · 1 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Guthrie Avenue
1666 ft · 44 sec
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7
Turn right onto Guthrie Avenue
2860 ft · 1 min · Guthrie Avenue
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8
Turn left onto Hubbell Avenue
3.3 mi · 6 min · Hubbell Avenue
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9
Turn slight right onto East Broadway Avenue
1443 ft · 29 sec · East Broadway Avenue
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10
Continue on 8th Street Southwest
2.5 mi · 5 min · 8th Street Southwest
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11
Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
15 m · 1 sec · 1st Avenue South
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Moines and Altoona.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Hubbell Avenue
Turn left onto Hubbell Avenue
3.25 mi · 00h 06m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Altoona.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Moines to Altoona?
The road trip is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km) and usually takes 00h 18m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Pleasant Hill is a useful midpoint, sitting about 4.7 miles from Des Moines and 4.8 miles from Altoona.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 8 miles (12.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.28 one way or $2.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Altoona.
Stop Ideas Near Pleasant Hill
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Pleasant Hill.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Moines and Altoona. Straight-line distance: 8.05 mi (12.95 km).
#1 Des Moines
The capital of Iowa.
| Population | 212,312 |
| Coordinates | 41.6005400, -93.6091100 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Altoona
City in Polk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 19,503 |
| Coordinates | 41.6441600, -93.4646600 |
| Altitude | 291 |
| Country | United States |
End: Altoona (-93.46466, 41.64416)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 15 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $1.28 | $2.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $1.45 | $2.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $1.58 | $3.16 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $1.80 | $3.61 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.