How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Belle Plaine, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Belle Plaine, IA is about 217.1 miles (349.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 190.3 miles (306.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 15m 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 07m.
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.
Township in Dallas County, Iowa
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 Belle Plaine.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Belle Plaine.
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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
64.7 mi · 1 hr 10 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IA 21: Belle Plain, What Cheer
1356 ft · 36 sec
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9
Turn right onto 220th Street
3.6 mi · 5 min · 220th Street
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10
Turn right onto 380th Avenue
4.2 mi · 6 min · 380th Avenue
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11
Turn left onto B Avenue
5.8 mi · 9 min · B Avenue
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12
Continue on State Highway 21
2.5 mi · 4 min · State Highway 21
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13
Continue on 11th Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · 11th Avenue
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14
Continue on 7th Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · 7th Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 7th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Belle Plaine.
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
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 Belle Plaine.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Belle Plaine?
The road trip is about 217.1 miles (349.4 km) and usually takes 04h 07m 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?
Van Meter is a useful midpoint, sitting about 108.3 miles from Council Bluffs and 108.7 miles from Belle Plaine.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 190.3 miles (306.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:44 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.89 one way or $57.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 68.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Council Bluffs and Rain Showers Likely near Belle Plaine.
Stop Ideas Near Van Meter
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 Van Meter.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Belle Plaine. Straight-line distance: 190.28 mi (306.22 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 Belle Plaine
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,417 |
| Coordinates | 41.8969400, -92.2782400 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
End: Belle Plaine (-92.27824, 41.89694)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 349 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $28.89 | $57.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $32.58 | $65.16 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $35.65 | $71.30 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $40.63 | $81.26 |
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.