How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Clinton, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Clinton, IA is about 327.6 miles (527.3 km), with a travel time of about 05h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 296 miles (476.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 17m 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 05h 08m.
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 and the county seat of Jasper County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Clinton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Clinton.
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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
158.5 mi · 2 hr 52 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 61 North: Eldridge, DeWitt
1744 ft · 42 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto North Brady Street
14.5 mi · 17 min · North Brady Street
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10
Take the exit slight right
2991 ft · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left
16.2 mi · 20 min
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12
Turn left onto Manufacturing Drive
1.6 mi · 3 min · Manufacturing Drive
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13
Continue on South Bluff Boulevard
1.4 mi · 2 min · South Bluff Boulevard
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14
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue South
1.4 km · 2 min · 2nd Avenue South
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Clinton.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
I 35
Keep slight left
158 mi · 02h 52m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Council Bluffs and Chance Rain Showers near Clinton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Clinton?
The road trip is about 327.6 miles (527.3 km) and usually takes 05h 08m 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?
Newton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 163.4 miles from Council Bluffs and 164.2 miles from Clinton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 296 miles (476.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.6 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 6:42 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $43.59 one way or $87.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 102.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Council Bluffs and Chance Rain Showers near Clinton.
Stop Ideas Near Newton
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 Newton.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Clinton. Straight-line distance: 295.97 mi (476.32 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 Clinton
Clinton is a city in Clinton County, Iowa, United States, and the county seat.
| Population | 25,039 |
| Coordinates | 41.8444700, -90.1887400 |
| Altitude | 179 |
| Country | United States |
End: 2nd Avenue South (-90.18874, 41.844512)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 527 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $43.59 | $87.19 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $49.16 | $98.33 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $53.80 | $107.60 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $61.31 | $122.63 |
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 · May 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.