How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Albia, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Albia, IA is about 192.7 miles (310.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 159.8 miles (257.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 36m 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 03h 48m.
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 Dallas County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Albia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Albia.
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1
Start on West Broadway
1850 ft · 1 min · West Broadway
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2
Continue on West Broadway
3251 ft · 1 min · West Broadway
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3
Continue on West Kanesville Boulevard
4.2 mi · 8 min · West Kanesville Boulevard
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4
Take the ramp slight left
1399 ft · 34 sec
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5
Merge slight left
113.8 mi · 2 hr 2 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
1510 ft · 19 sec
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Kansas City
2130 ft · 52 sec · Ramp 72 H
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8
Merge slight left
3.8 mi · 4 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport, West Des Moines, Norwalk
1.3 km · 1 min
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10
Continue on Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
12.9 mi · 15 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
19 mi · 23 min
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12
Turn left
10.6 mi · 12 min
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13
Take the exit slight right
2592 ft · 1 min
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14
Turn right
25.1 mi · 37 min
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15
Turn left onto Benton Avenue East
109 m · 9 sec · Benton Avenue East
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16
Turn right onto South 2nd Street
52 m · 13 sec · South 2nd Street
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17
Turn left
10 m · 2 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Albia.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
West Kanesville Boulevard
Merge slight left
114 mi · 02h 02m
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Council Bluffs and Rain Showers Likely near Albia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Albia?
The road trip is about 192.7 miles (310.2 km) and usually takes 03h 48m 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?
Dexter is a useful midpoint, sitting about 96.2 miles from Council Bluffs and 96.6 miles from Albia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 159.8 miles (257.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.9 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 9:24 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.64 one way or $51.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 60.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Council Bluffs and Rain Showers Likely near Albia.
Stop Ideas Near Dexter
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 Dexter.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Albia. Straight-line distance: 159.78 mi (257.14 km).
#1 Council Bluffs
The most populous city in Pottawattamie County, Iowa.
| Population | 62,216 |
| Coordinates | 41.2619400, -95.8608300 |
| Altitude | 301 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Albia
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,713 |
| Coordinates | 41.0266700, -92.8057500 |
| Altitude | 295 |
| Country | United States |
End: Albia (-92.80575, 41.02667)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 310 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.64 | $51.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.92 | $57.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.65 | $63.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.07 | $72.13 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.