How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Hartley, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Hartley, IA is about 172.2 miles (277.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134 miles (215.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 43m 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 03h 21m.
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 Woodbury County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny
Slight Chance Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Hartley.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Hartley.
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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
34.4 mi · 40 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 18: Spencer
2017 ft · 52 sec
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9
Turn right onto 320th Street
7.5 mi · 10 min · 320th Street
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10
Continue on US-18
1 km · 1 min · US-18
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11
Continue on 320th Street
8.8 mi · 12 min · 320th Street
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12
Turn right onto North Central Avenue
1779 ft · 1 min · North Central Avenue
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13
Turn left onto 1st Street Southeast
8 m · 1 sec · 1st Street Southeast
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Street Southeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Hartley.
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.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny leaving Council Bluffs and Slight Chance Snow Showers near Hartley.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Hartley?
The road trip is about 172.2 miles (277.1 km) and usually takes 03h 21m 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?
Sergeant Bluff is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.1 miles from Council Bluffs and 86.1 miles from Hartley.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 134 miles (215.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 38.2 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 10:16 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.93 one way or $45.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny around Council Bluffs and Slight Chance Snow Showers near Hartley.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Hartley. Straight-line distance: 133.97 mi (215.6 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 Hartley
Human settlement in O'Brien County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,556 |
| Coordinates | 43.1799700, -95.4769500 |
| Altitude | 446 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hartley (-95.47695, 43.17997)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 277 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.93 | $45.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.86 | $51.72 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.30 | $56.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.25 | $64.50 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.