How far is Atlantic, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
The driving distance from Atlantic, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is about 50 miles (80.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 45 miles (72.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 04m 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 02m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Atlantic and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Atlantic and Council Bluffs.
-
1
Start on the route
49 m · 14 sec
-
2
Turn right onto Poplar Street
591 ft · 30 sec · Poplar Street
-
3
Turn left onto West 6th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · West 6th Street
-
4
Turn right onto Sunnyside Lane
1465 ft · 46 sec · Sunnyside Lane
-
5
Turn left onto Marne Road
1322 ft · 25 sec · Marne Road
-
6
Continue on State Highway 83
1.9 mi · 3 min · State Highway 83
-
7
Turn right onto 590th Street
5 mi · 7 min · 590th Street
-
8
Take the ramp right
1352 ft · 33 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
26.9 mi · 29 min
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
19.1 mi · 20 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland
1648 ft · 31 sec
-
12
Turn straight onto East Kanesville Boulevard
2.8 mi · 5 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
-
13
Continue on East Broadway
772 ft · 21 sec · East Broadway
-
14
Continue on East Kanesville Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
-
15
Continue on West Broadway
1993 ft · 51 sec · West Broadway
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Atlantic and Council Bluffs.
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.
590th Street
Merge slight left
26.9 mi · 00h 29m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Atlantic and Chance Rain Showers near Council Bluffs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Atlantic to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 50 miles (80.4 km) and usually takes 01h 02m 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?
Shelby is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.5 miles from Atlantic and 20.4 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 45 miles (72.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 5 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 4:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.64 one way or $13.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Atlantic and Chance Rain Showers near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Shelby
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 Shelby.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Atlantic and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 45.02 mi (72.45 km).
#1 Atlantic
City in Iowa
| Population | 6,513 |
| Coordinates | 41.4036000, -95.0138800 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Council Bluffs
The most populous city in Pottawattamie County, Iowa.
| Population | 62,216 |
| Coordinates | 41.2619400, -95.8608300 |
| Altitude | 301 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Broadway (-95.86083, 41.261939)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 80 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.64 | $13.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.49 | $14.97 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.19 | $16.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.34 | $18.67 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.