How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Carter Lake, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Carter Lake, IA is about 6.6 miles (10.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 3.5 miles (5.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 31m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 15m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Carter Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Carter Lake.
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1
Start on West Broadway
2.7 mi · 6 min · West Broadway
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2
Take the ramp straight toward I 480 West, US 6 West
1464 ft · 36 sec
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3
Merge slight left
1.2 km · 1 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward 14th Street, Old Market District, Creighton University
1472 ft · 40 sec
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5
Turn right onto North 14th Street
1994 ft · 1 min · North 14th Street
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6
Turn right onto Izard Street
1113 ft · 31 sec · Izard Street
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7
Continue on North 11th Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · North 11th Street
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8
Turn right onto East Locust Street
1 km · 2 min · East Locust Street
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9
Turn left onto North 9th Street
2043 ft · 58 sec · North 9th Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 9th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Carter Lake.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
West Broadway
Start on West Broadway
2.7 mi · 00h 06m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Council Bluffs and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carter Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Carter Lake?
The road trip is about 6.6 miles (10.7 km) and usually takes 00h 15m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Crescent is a useful midpoint, sitting about 3.4 miles from Council Bluffs and 3.4 miles from Carter Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 3.5 miles (5.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $0.91 one way or $1.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 2.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Council Bluffs and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carter Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Crescent
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 Crescent.
Omaha
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Carter Lake. Straight-line distance: 3.57 mi (5.74 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 Carter Lake
City in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,793 |
| Coordinates | 41.2905500, -95.9180700 |
| Altitude | 299 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carter Lake (-95.91807, 41.29055)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 11 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $0.91 | $1.81 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $1.02 | $2.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $1.12 | $2.23 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $1.27 | $2.55 |
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.