How far is Clinton, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
The driving distance from Clinton, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is about 326 miles (524.6 km), with a travel time of about 05h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 296 miles (476.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 20m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 05h 10m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in and the county seat of Jasper County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clinton and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clinton and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on 2nd Avenue South
1.4 km · 2 min · 2nd Avenue South
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2
Turn left onto South Bluff Boulevard
1.4 mi · 2 min · South Bluff Boulevard
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3
Turn straight onto Manufacturing Drive
1.6 mi · 3 min · Manufacturing Drive
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4
Turn right onto Lincoln Way
17.2 mi · 21 min · Lincoln Way
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5
Merge slight left
13.9 mi · 16 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
69.9 mi · 1 hr 17 min
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7
Continue straight
102 mi · 1 hr 51 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
95.5 mi · 1 hr 43 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
19.1 mi · 20 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland
1648 ft · 31 sec
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11
Turn straight onto East Kanesville Boulevard
2.8 mi · 5 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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12
Continue on East Broadway
772 ft · 21 sec · East Broadway
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13
Continue on East Kanesville Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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14
Continue on West Broadway
1993 ft · 51 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 Clinton and Council Bluffs.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Lincoln Way
Continue straight
102 mi · 01h 51m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Clinton 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 Clinton to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 326 miles (524.6 km) and usually takes 05h 10m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Newton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 162.6 miles from Clinton and 163.4 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 296 miles (476.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 30 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $43.37 one way or $86.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 102.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Clinton and Chance Rain Showers near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Newton
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 Newton.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clinton and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 295.97 mi (476.32 km).
#1 Clinton
Clinton is a city in Clinton County, Iowa, United States, and the county seat.
| Population | 25,039 |
| Coordinates | 41.8444700, -90.1887400 |
| Altitude | 179 |
| 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: 525 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $43.37 | $86.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $48.91 | $97.82 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $53.52 | $107.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $61.00 | $121.99 |
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 · May 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.