How far is Waukee, IA from Altoona, IA?
The driving distance from Waukee, IA to Altoona, IA is about 26 miles (41.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 21.8 miles (35.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 10m 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 35m.
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.
City in Iowa, United States
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 Waukee and Altoona.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukee and Altoona.
-
1
Start on Ashworth Drive
43 m · 7 sec · Ashworth Drive
-
2
Turn right onto 6th Street
1076 ft · 34 sec · 6th Street
-
3
Turn right onto Hickman Road
5.7 mi · 9 min · Hickman Road
-
4
Turn left onto I-35 north, I-80 east
1557 ft · 38 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
10.4 mi · 12 min
-
6
Continue straight
1.2 km · 51 sec
-
7
Continue straight
3105 ft · 41 sec
-
8
Keep slight left
6.2 mi · 7 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward Bondurant, Altoona
2212 ft · 58 sec
-
10
Turn right onto 1st Avenue North
2540 ft · 53 sec · 1st Avenue North
-
11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 1st Avenue North
29 m · 2 sec · 1st Avenue North
-
12
Exit the roundabout onto 1st Avenue North
1.6 km · 2 min · 1st Avenue North
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waukee 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.
I-35 north
Merge slight left
10.4 mi · 00h 12m
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 Waukee 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 Waukee to Altoona?
The road trip is about 26 miles (41.9 km) and usually takes 00h 35m 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?
Johnston is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13 miles from Waukee and 13 miles from Altoona.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 21.8 miles (35.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.2 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 7:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.47 one way or $6.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Waukee and Showers And Thunderstorms near Altoona.
Stop Ideas Near Johnston
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 Johnston.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukee and Altoona. Straight-line distance: 21.83 mi (35.14 km).
#1 Waukee
City in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 26,166 |
| Coordinates | 41.6116600, -93.8852300 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| 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: 42 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.47 | $6.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.91 | $7.83 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.28 | $8.56 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $4.88 | $9.76 |
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.