How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Alton, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Alton, IA is about 135.4 miles (217.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 119.5 miles (192.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 09m 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 02h 34m.
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 Monona County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Alton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Alton.
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1
Start on West Broadway
1850 ft · 49 sec · West Broadway
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2
Turn right onto North 16th Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North 16th Street
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3
Take the ramp straight
2564 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left
87.1 mi · 1 hr 34 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East, US 75 North: Fort Dodge, Le Mars
1.2 km · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left
30.1 mi · 36 min
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7
Continue on IA 60 North: Sheldon
13.2 mi · 15 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Alton
2542 ft · 1 min
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9
At the end of the road, turn right onto 3rd Avenue
1.5 mi · 3 min · 3rd Avenue
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10
Turn left onto West 10th Street
48 m · 9 sec · West 10th Street
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11
Turn right
34 m · 8 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Alton.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
North 16th Street
Merge slight left
87.1 mi · 01h 34m
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 Council Bluffs and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Alton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Alton?
The road trip is about 135.4 miles (217.9 km) and usually takes 02h 34m 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?
Whiting is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.7 miles from Council Bluffs and 67.7 miles from Alton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 119.5 miles (192.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.03 one way or $36.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Council Bluffs and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Alton.
Stop Ideas Near Whiting
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 Whiting.
Omaha
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Alton. Straight-line distance: 119.47 mi (192.27 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 Alton
Human settlement in Sioux County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,249 |
| Coordinates | 42.9874900, -96.0105700 |
| Altitude | 404 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alton (-96.01057, 42.98749)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 218 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.03 | $36.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.33 | $40.66 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.25 | $44.49 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.35 | $50.71 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.