How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Clarinda, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Clarinda, IA is about 77.4 miles (124.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 56 miles (90.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 48m 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 54m.
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.
Partly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Clarinda.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Clarinda.
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1
Start on West Broadway
1850 ft · 53 sec · West Broadway
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2
Turn left onto South 16th Street
1732 ft · 59 sec · South 16th Street
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3
Turn left onto 5th Avenue
1.1 km · 2 min · 5th Avenue
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4
Turn right onto South 7th Street
142 m · 16 sec · South 7th Street
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5
Turn slight left onto South Expressway
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Expressway
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6
Take the ramp slight right toward I 29 South, I 80 East: Des Moines, Kansas City
2672 ft · 1 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 29 South: Kansas City
2835 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
28.3 mi · 30 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward CR J24: Mc Paul, Thurman
1526 ft · 44 sec
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10
Turn left onto 155 Street
587 ft · 16 sec · 155 Street
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11
Continue on North Street
2.8 mi · 7 min · North Street
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12
Turn right onto Fletcher Street
806 ft · 27 sec · Fletcher Street
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13
Turn left onto Filmore Street
2887 ft · 1 min · Filmore Street
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14
Continue on State Highway 145
3.8 mi · 9 min · State Highway 145
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15
Turn right onto US 275
4.5 mi · 7 min · US 275
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16
Turn left
1.5 mi · 2 min
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17
Turn left onto State Highway 2
29.8 mi · 44 min · State Highway 2
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18
Turn straight onto West State Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West State Street
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19
Turn right onto North 16th Street
856 ft · 19 sec · North 16th Street
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20
Turn right
11 m · 3 sec
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Clarinda.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
State Highway 2
Turn left onto State Highway 2
29.8 mi · 00h 44m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Council Bluffs and Partly Cloudy near Clarinda.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Clarinda?
The road trip is about 77.4 miles (124.5 km) and usually takes 01h 54m 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?
Thurman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 38.6 miles from Council Bluffs and 38.7 miles from Clarinda.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 56 miles (90.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.4 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 2:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.29 one way or $20.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Council Bluffs and Partly Cloudy near Clarinda.
Stop Ideas Near Thurman
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 Thurman.
Omaha
Lincoln
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Clarinda. Straight-line distance: 56.05 mi (90.21 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 Clarinda
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,366 |
| Coordinates | 40.7398100, -95.0380000 |
| Altitude | 318 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clarinda (-95.038, 40.73981)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 124 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.29 | $20.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.61 | $23.22 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.71 | $25.41 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.48 | $28.96 |
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 29, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.