How far is West Des Moines, IA from Altoona, IA?
The driving distance from West Des Moines, IA to Altoona, IA is about 15.5 miles (24.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 13.5 miles (21.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 52m 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 26m.
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.
The capital of 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 West Des Moines and Altoona.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Des Moines and Altoona.
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1
Start on Vine Street
2147 ft · 59 sec · Vine Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto 63rd Street;1st Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · 63rd Street;1st Street
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3
Take the ramp right toward I-235 east
1690 ft · 41 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
6.8 mi · 9 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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5
Take the exit slight right toward Guthrie Avenue
1666 ft · 44 sec
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6
Turn right onto Guthrie Avenue
2860 ft · 1 min · Guthrie Avenue
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7
Turn left onto Hubbell Avenue
3.3 mi · 6 min · Hubbell Avenue
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8
Turn slight right onto East Broadway Avenue
1443 ft · 29 sec · East Broadway Avenue
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9
Continue on 8th Street Southwest
2.5 mi · 5 min · 8th Street Southwest
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10
Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
15 m · 1 sec · 1st Avenue South
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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 West 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.
John MacVicar Freeway
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
6.81 mi · 00h 09m
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 West 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 West Des Moines to Altoona?
The road trip is about 15.5 miles (24.9 km) and usually takes 00h 26m 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?
Des Moines is a useful midpoint, sitting about 7.7 miles from West Des Moines and 7.8 miles from Altoona.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 13.5 miles (21.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 7:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.07 one way or $4.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around West Des Moines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Altoona.
Stop Ideas Near Des Moines
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 Des Moines.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Des Moines and Altoona. Straight-line distance: 13.56 mi (21.82 km).
#1 West Des Moines
The most populous city in Dallas County, Iowa.
| Population | 69,057 |
| Coordinates | 41.5772100, -93.7113300 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| 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: 25 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.07 | $4.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $2.34 | $4.68 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $2.56 | $5.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $2.92 | $5.83 |
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.