How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Le Mars, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Le Mars, IA is about 119.9 miles (193 km), with a travel time of about 02h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 107 miles (172.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 35m 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 17m.
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.
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 Le Mars.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Le Mars.
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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
27.5 mi · 33 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IA 3: Plymouth Street, Business District
2195 ft · 57 sec
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8
Turn right onto State Highway 3
1.4 km · 1 min · State Highway 3
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9
Continue on Plymouth Street West
112 m · 6 sec · Plymouth Street West
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10
Continue on Plymouth Street Southwest
2601 ft · 1 min · Plymouth Street Southwest
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11
Turn left onto 5th Avenue Northwest
134 m · 13 sec · 5th Avenue Northwest
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12
Turn right onto 1st Street Northwest
2204 ft · 1 min · 1st Street Northwest
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 1st Street Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Le Mars.
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 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 Le Mars.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Le Mars?
The road trip is about 119.9 miles (193 km) and usually takes 02h 17m 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?
Onawa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60 miles from Council Bluffs and 60 miles from Le Mars.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 107 miles (172.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.9 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 1:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.95 one way or $31.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Council Bluffs and Sunny near Le Mars.
Stop Ideas Near Onawa
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 Onawa.
Omaha
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Le Mars. Straight-line distance: 107.01 mi (172.22 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 Le Mars
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,195 |
| Coordinates | 42.7941600, -96.1655800 |
| Altitude | 376 |
| Country | United States |
End: Le Mars (-96.16558, 42.79416)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 193 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.95 | $31.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.99 | $35.98 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.69 | $39.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.44 | $44.87 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.