How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Altoona, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Altoona, IA is about 141.7 miles (228.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.9 miles (204.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 21m 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 40m.
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 Adair and Guthrie Counties in the US state of Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Altoona.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Altoona.
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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
14.4 mi · 17 min
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7
Keep slight left
6.2 mi · 7 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Bondurant, Altoona
2212 ft · 58 sec
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9
Turn right onto 1st Avenue North
2540 ft · 53 sec · 1st Avenue North
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 1st Avenue North
29 m · 2 sec · 1st Avenue North
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11
Exit the roundabout onto 1st Avenue North
1.6 km · 2 min · 1st Avenue North
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Altoona.
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 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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Council Bluffs and Showers And Thunderstorms near Altoona.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Altoona?
The road trip is about 141.7 miles (228.1 km) and usually takes 02h 40m 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?
Adair is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.7 miles from Council Bluffs and 71 miles from Altoona.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.9 miles (204.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.8 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 1:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.86 one way or $37.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Council Bluffs and Showers And Thunderstorms near Altoona.
Stop Ideas Near Adair
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 Adair.
Creston
Osceola
Omaha
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Altoona. Straight-line distance: 126.86 mi (204.16 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 Altoona
City in Polk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 19,503 |
| Coordinates | 41.6441600, -93.4646600 |
| Altitude | 291 |
| Country | United States |
End: Altoona (-93.46466, 41.64416)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 228 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.86 | $37.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.27 | $42.53 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.27 | $46.54 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.52 | $53.04 |
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.