How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Atlantic, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Atlantic, IA is about 59.3 miles (95.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 13m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 45 miles (72.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 26m 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 01h 13m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Atlantic.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Atlantic.
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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
45.5 mi · 49 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 173
2221 ft · 55 sec
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7
Turn right onto 590th Street
4.8 mi · 7 min · 590th Street
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8
At the end of the road, turn left onto State Highway 83
1.9 mi · 3 min · State Highway 83
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9
Continue on Marne Road
1322 ft · 27 sec · Marne Road
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10
Turn right onto Sunnyside Lane
1465 ft · 46 sec · Sunnyside Lane
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11
Turn left onto West 6th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · West 6th Street
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12
Turn right onto Poplar Street
591 ft · 30 sec · Poplar Street
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13
Turn left
49 m · 12 sec
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Atlantic.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West Kanesville Boulevard
Merge slight left
45.5 mi · 00h 49m
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 Likely near Atlantic.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Atlantic?
The road trip is about 59.3 miles (95.5 km) and usually takes 01h 13m 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?
Shelby is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.6 miles from Council Bluffs and 29.7 miles from Atlantic.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 45 miles (72.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.3 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 4:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.88 one way or $15.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Council Bluffs and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Atlantic.
Stop Ideas Near Shelby
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 Shelby.
Omaha
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Atlantic. Straight-line distance: 45.02 mi (72.45 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 Atlantic
City in Iowa
| Population | 6,513 |
| Coordinates | 41.4036000, -95.0138800 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| Country | United States |
End: Atlantic (-95.01388, 41.4036)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 96 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.88 | $15.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.89 | $17.78 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.73 | $19.45 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.09 | $22.17 |
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.