How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Leon, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Leon, IA is about 181.3 miles (291.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115.9 miles (186.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 50m 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 25m.
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.
Human settlement in 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 Rain Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Leon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Leon.
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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
1510 ft · 19 sec
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Kansas City
2130 ft · 52 sec · Ramp 72 H
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8
Merge slight left
49.7 mi · 54 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Webb
1651 ft · 46 sec
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10
Turn left onto 120th Street
1038 ft · 21 sec · 120th Street
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11
Continue on Line Street
1.2 km · 1 min · Line Street
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12
Continue on 120th Street
1.6 km · 2 min · 120th Street
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13
Turn right
9.4 mi · 13 min
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Northwest Church Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Leon.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
West Kanesville Boulevard
Merge slight left
114 mi · 02h 02m
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 Rain Showers then Sunny near Leon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Leon?
The road trip is about 181.3 miles (291.7 km) and usually takes 03h 25m 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?
Stuart is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.5 miles from Council Bluffs and 90.7 miles from Leon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115.9 miles (186.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 65.4 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 10:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.13 one way or $48.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.9 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 Rain Showers then Sunny near Leon.
Stop Ideas Near Stuart
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 Stuart.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Leon. Straight-line distance: 115.94 mi (186.59 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 Leon
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,808 |
| Coordinates | 40.7397200, -93.7477200 |
| Altitude | 343 |
| Country | United States |
End: Leon (-93.74772, 40.73972)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 292 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.13 | $48.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.22 | $54.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.79 | $59.57 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.95 | $67.89 |
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.