How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Estherville, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Estherville, IA is about 219.4 miles (353.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156.9 miles (252.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 45m 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 22m.
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 Plymouth County, Iowa
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 Estherville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Estherville.
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1
Start on West Broadway
1850 ft · 49 sec · West Broadway
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2
Turn right onto North 16th Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North 16th Street
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3
Take the ramp straight
2564 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left
87.1 mi · 1 hr 34 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East, US 75 North: Fort Dodge, Le Mars
1.2 km · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left
30.1 mi · 36 min
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7
Continue on IA 60 North: Sheldon
53.5 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IA 9: Rock Rapids, Spirit Lake
2073 ft · 53 sec
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9
Turn right onto Ia 9th Street
5.4 mi · 7 min · Ia 9th Street
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10
Continue on County Highway L54
1 mi · 1 min · County Highway L54
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11
Continue on State Highway 9
9.9 mi · 13 min · State Highway 9
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12
Continue on 150th Street
10.2 mi · 14 min · 150th Street
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13
Continue on State Highway 9
4.6 mi · 8 min · State Highway 9
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14
Continue on US Highway 71
5.5 mi · 8 min · US Highway 71
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15
Continue on 150th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 150th Street
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16
Continue on 1st Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · 1st Avenue
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17
Continue on Highway 9
1.4 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
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18
Continue on State Highway 9
3.3 mi · 5 min · State Highway 9
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19
Continue on West Central Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · West Central Avenue
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20
Turn right onto South 9th Street
45 m · 4 sec · South 9th Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 9th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Estherville.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
North 16th Street
Merge slight left
87.1 mi · 01h 34m
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.
Sunny leaving Council Bluffs and Sunny near Estherville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Estherville?
The road trip is about 219.4 miles (353.1 km) and usually takes 04h 22m 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?
Merrill is a useful midpoint, sitting about 109.7 miles from Council Bluffs and 109.7 miles from Estherville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156.9 miles (252.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 62.5 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 8:14 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.19 one way or $58.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 68.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Council Bluffs and Sunny near Estherville.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Estherville. Straight-line distance: 156.88 mi (252.48 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 Estherville
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,587 |
| Coordinates | 43.4016300, -94.8327600 |
| Altitude | 395 |
| Country | United States |
End: Estherville (-94.83276, 43.40163)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 353 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.19 | $58.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $32.92 | $65.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $36.02 | $72.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $41.05 | $82.11 |
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.