How far is Iowa City, IA from Altoona, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Altoona, IA is about 104.3 miles (167.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 99.9 miles (160.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 56m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 01h 58m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Altoona.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Altoona.
-
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
99.7 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Bondurant, Altoona
1906 ft · 49 sec
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7
Turn left onto Northeast 72nd Street
810 ft · 21 sec · Northeast 72nd Street
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8
Continue on 1st Avenue North
3012 ft · 1 min · 1st Avenue North
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 1st Avenue North
29 m · 2 sec · 1st Avenue North
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10
Exit the roundabout onto 1st Avenue North
1.6 km · 2 min · 1st Avenue North
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Altoona.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
North Dubuque Street
Merge slight left
99.7 mi · 01h 47m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Iowa City 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 Iowa City to Altoona?
The road trip is about 104.3 miles (167.9 km) and usually takes 01h 58m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Malcom is a useful midpoint, sitting about 52 miles from Iowa City and 52.3 miles from Altoona.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 99.9 miles (160.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.88 one way or $27.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Iowa City and Showers And Thunderstorms near Altoona.
Stop Ideas Near Malcom
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 Malcom.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Altoona. Straight-line distance: 99.87 mi (160.73 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 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: 168 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.88 | $27.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.65 | $31.30 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.13 | $34.25 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.52 | $39.04 |
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.