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Road Trips from Altoona, IA

Heading out from Altoona, you've got a solid mix of quick hops and longer hauls. The terrain is mostly flat, making for easy cruising, and several options include parks for a nature break. You can hit a nearby city in under an hour for a quick escape, or plan for a longer drive to explore further into Iowa. It’s a good launchpad for day trips or even venturing out for a longer excursion.

Total Routes

16

Shortest

0.3h

With Parks Nearby

2

Under 2 hours

10 total in this range

Full-day getaway

6 total in this range

Council Bluffs, IA

2h 38m

139.6 mi one way

A longer haul at 139.6 miles, this trip takes 2.6 hours and is a highway-focused drive. It includes parks and boasts a high drive score of 8. This is one of your furthest options, ideal if you want to spend more time on the road and explore the western side of the state.

Parks nearby High drive score

Dubuque, IA

3h 35m

180 mi one way

This is your longest trip at 180 miles, taking 3.6 hours. It's a turn-heavy local drive with parks available. If you're seeking an extended journey with a more engaging route, this option provides the most driving time and distance among the choices.

Parks nearby High drive score

Waterloo, IA

2h 13m

102 mi one way

This route covers 102 miles and takes 2.2 hours, categorized as a turn-heavy local drive. Parks are not specifically mentioned for this destination. It offers a substantial driving time and a different route profile compared to the highway-focused options to places like Davenport.

High drive score

Bettendorf, IA

2h 57m

160.7 mi one way

At 160.7 miles and 3 hours, this is a highway-focused drive. Parks are not mentioned as being available. This route is one of the longer options, suitable for an extended road trip focused on efficient highway travel.

High drive score

Davenport, IA

2h 58m

156.6 mi one way

This 156.6-mile drive takes 3 hours and is a highway-focused route. Parks are not specifically noted for this destination. It's a considerable distance, comparable to Bettendorf, and good for a longer trip primarily on highways.

High drive score

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When to Go

Spring

Flat terrain makes for easy driving in spring. Options with parks are readily accessible for enjoying new growth.

Summer

The mostly flat terrain is ideal for longer drives in summer. Destinations with parks offer opportunities for outdoor activities.

Fall

Enjoy the mostly flat terrain on drives to destinations with parks, perfect for viewing autumn colors.

Winter

The predominantly flat terrain should make driving manageable. Focus on the shorter, highway-focused drives to nearby cities.

Starting Somewhere Else?

Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.

Ready to plan?

Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Altoona, IA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.