How far is Clarinda, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
Fastest route
The distance between Clarinda, IA and Council Bluffs, IA is 85 miles (136.79 kilometers) by car, following the IA 2 route. The fastest route from Clarinda to Council Bluffs is 1 hour 43 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop. The halfway point is Sidney, IA.
Here are the steps to get from Clarinda to Council Bluffs by car:
- Head west on S 6th St/US-275 S.
- Turn left onto IA-2 E.
- Continue to follow IA-2 E.
- Take exit 20 toward County Rd J24/Mc Paul/Thurman.
- Turn left onto 155 St.
- Turn right onto Fletcher St.
- Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto Filmore St.
- Continue onto 160th St.
- Turn right onto US-275 S.
- Turn left to stay on US-275 S.
- Turn left onto IA-2 E.
- Continue straight onto W State St.
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 23m.
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.
Partly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clarinda and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clarinda and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on the route
11 m · 8 sec
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2
Turn left onto North 16th Street
856 ft · 22 sec · North 16th Street
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3
Turn left onto West State Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West State Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 2
29.8 mi · 44 min · State Highway 2
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5
Turn right
1.5 mi · 2 min
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6
Turn right
19.4 mi · 29 min
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7
Turn left
7.7 mi · 11 min
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8
Take the ramp slight right
14.1 mi · 16 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
1812 ft · 46 sec
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10
Turn left onto South Expressway
1.5 mi · 3 min · South Expressway
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11
Continue on South 6th Street
1045 ft · 44 sec · South 6th Street
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12
Turn left onto Willow Avenue
939 ft · 23 sec · Willow Avenue
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13
At the end of the road, turn right onto South 8th Street
968 ft · 32 sec · South 8th Street
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14
Turn left onto West Broadway
1361 ft · 39 sec · West Broadway
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Clarinda and Council Bluffs.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
State Highway 2
Continue on State Highway 2
29.8 mi · 00h 44m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Clarinda and Partly Cloudy near Council Bluffs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Clarinda to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 76.7 miles (123.5 km) and usually takes 01h 23m 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?
Thurman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 38.3 miles from Clarinda and 38.5 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 56 miles (90.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.7 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 3:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.22 one way or $20.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Clarinda and Partly Cloudy near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Thurman
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 Thurman.
Omaha
Lincoln
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clarinda and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 56.05 mi (90.21 km).
#1 Clarinda
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,366 |
| Coordinates | 40.7398100, -95.0380000 |
| Altitude | 318 |
| 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: 123 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.22 | $20.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.53 | $23.05 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.61 | $25.22 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.37 | $28.75 |
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 29, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.