How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Arnolds Park, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Arnolds Park, IA is about 200.8 miles (323.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 150.6 miles (242.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 00m 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 04h 00m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Arnolds Park.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Arnolds Park.
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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
44.2 mi · 51 min
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8
Turn right onto 230th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 230th Street
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9
Continue on 230th Street
72 m · 4 sec · 230th Street
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10
Continue on Olive Avenue
1.6 km · 1 min · Olive Avenue
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11
Turn right onto 220th Street
30.8 mi · 43 min · 220th Street
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12
Turn left onto Okoboji Avenue
3.4 mi · 7 min · Okoboji Avenue
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13
Turn right onto Linden Drive
535 ft · 22 sec · Linden Drive
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14
Turn left onto Iowa Street
792 ft · 37 sec · Iowa Street
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15
Turn right onto Kruse Beach
38 m · 6 sec · Kruse Beach
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Kruse Beach
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Arnolds Park.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
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 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.
Sunny leaving Council Bluffs and Sunny near Arnolds Park.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Arnolds Park?
The road trip is about 200.8 miles (323.1 km) and usually takes 04h 00m 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?
Hinton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 100.4 miles from Council Bluffs and 100.4 miles from Arnolds Park.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 150.6 miles (242.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 50.2 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 9:00 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.70 one way or $53.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Council Bluffs and Sunny near Arnolds Park.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Arnolds Park. Straight-line distance: 150.62 mi (242.4 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 Arnolds Park
City in Dickinson County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,354 |
| Coordinates | 43.3727400, -95.1238800 |
| Altitude | 434 |
| Country | United States |
End: Arnolds Park (-95.12388, 43.37274)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 323 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.70 | $53.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.11 | $60.22 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.95 | $65.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.55 | $75.10 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.