How far is Council Bluffs, IA from De Soto, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to De Soto, IA is about 107.4 miles (172.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 97.7 miles (157.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 03m 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 02h 01m.
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.
Human settlement in Audubon County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and De Soto.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and De Soto.
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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
101 mi · 1 hr 48 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 169, US 6: Adel, Winterset
1516 ft · 37 sec
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7
Keep slight right
33 m · 5 sec
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8
Turn right onto Guthrie Street
2686 ft · 58 sec · Guthrie Street
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9
Turn left onto Maple Street
808 ft · 36 sec · Maple Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Maple Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and De Soto.
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
101 mi · 01h 48m
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.
Sunny leaving Council Bluffs and Sunny near De Soto.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to De Soto?
The road trip is about 107.4 miles (172.9 km) and usually takes 02h 01m 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?
Brayton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 53.6 miles from Council Bluffs and 53.8 miles from De Soto.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 97.7 miles (157.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.7 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 2:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.29 one way or $28.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Council Bluffs and Sunny near De Soto.
Stop Ideas Near Brayton
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 Brayton.
Creston
Omaha
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and De Soto. Straight-line distance: 97.74 mi (157.29 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 De Soto
Human settlement in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,061 |
| Coordinates | 41.5316600, -94.0096700 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
End: De Soto (-94.00967, 41.53166)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 173 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.29 | $28.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.12 | $32.24 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.64 | $35.28 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.10 | $40.20 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.