Introduction
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Altoona travel guide

Altoona Tourism | Altoona Guide

You're Going to Love Altoona

With a population of 14,541, Altoona is a must-see destination in Iowa, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Altoona deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

When to visit Altoona

Altoona in January
Estimated hotel price
$82
1 night at 3-star hotel
Altoona in January
Estimated hotel price
$82
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Altoona

Plane

When flying to Altoona, you’ll arrive at Des Moines Airport (DSM), which is located 12 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Altoona include American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Altoona departs from Nashville and takes around 1h 41m.

Car

Another option to get to Altoona is to pick up a car rental from Kansas City, which is about 187 miles from Altoona. You’ll find branches of Payless and Turo, among others, in Kansas City.

Plane

When flying to Altoona, you’ll arrive at Des Moines Airport (DSM), which is located 12 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Altoona include American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Altoona departs from Nashville and takes around 1h 41m.

Car

Another option to get to Altoona is to pick up a car rental from Kansas City, which is about 187 miles from Altoona. You’ll find branches of Payless and Turo, among others, in Kansas City.

Airports near Altoona

ALOWaterloo
DSMDes Moines
CIDCedar Rapids

Airlines serving Altoona

KLM
Good (1,430 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,628 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,006 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,574 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,092 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,682 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,051 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,440 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,506 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,522 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,606 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,336 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,448 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,485 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,081 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,891 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,023 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,655 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,186 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,637 reviews)
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Where to stay in Altoona

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Altoona and Quality Inn and Suites Altoona - Des Moines.

Where to stay in popular areas of Altoona

Most booked hotels in Altoona

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Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
3 stars
Excellent (9.3, 1034 reviews)
$86+
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Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (9, 393 reviews)
$127+
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Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 162 reviews)
$164+
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La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 860 reviews)
$76+
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Des Moines Marriott Downtown
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 351 reviews)
$151+
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Prairie Meadows Hotel Casino And Racetra
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 289 reviews)
$149+
View

Renting a car in Altoona

Expect to pay $3.33 per gallon in Altoona (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $39.97 and $53.30.

Expect to pay $3.33 per gallon in Altoona (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $39.97 and $53.30.