How far is Iowa City, IA from Alta, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Alta, IA is about 246.7 miles (397.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 204.9 miles (329.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 42m 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 51m.
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.
Human settlement in Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Alta.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Alta.
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1
Start on South Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · South Gilbert Street
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2
Turn slight left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 22 sec · Kimball Road
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3
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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4
Turn left
2315 ft · 59 sec
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5
Merge slight left
4.1 mi · 5 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
1850 ft · 45 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
3219 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
70.8 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
152.2 mi · 2 hr 56 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Turn right onto Gard Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Gard Avenue
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11
Continue on 90th Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · 90th Avenue
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12
At the end of the road, turn left onto 630th Street
2647 ft · 43 sec · 630th Street
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13
Turn right onto 85th Avenue
951 ft · 17 sec · 85th Avenue
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14
Continue on State Highway 110
2.7 mi · 4 min · State Highway 110
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15
Continue on State Highway 110
1595 ft · 30 sec · State Highway 110
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16
Continue on 90th Avenue
1549 ft · 34 sec · 90th Avenue
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17
Turn left onto Highway 7
3.3 mi · 5 min · Highway 7
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18
Turn right onto 60th Avenue
613 ft · 27 sec · 60th Avenue
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 60th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Alta.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
152 mi · 02h 56m
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 leaving Iowa City and Rain Showers Likely near Alta.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Alta?
The road trip is about 246.7 miles (397.1 km) and usually takes 04h 51m 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 123.2 miles from Iowa City and 123.6 miles from Alta.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 204.9 miles (329.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 41.8 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 7:18 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.09 one way or $68.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Iowa City and Rain Showers Likely near Alta.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Alta. Straight-line distance: 204.86 mi (329.69 km).
#1 Iowa City
The most populous city in Johnson County, Iowa.
| Population | 75,130 |
| Coordinates | 41.6611300, -91.5301700 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| 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: 397 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $34.09 | $68.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $38.45 | $76.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $42.07 | $84.14 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $47.95 | $95.90 |
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.