How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Marcus, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Marcus, IA is about 122.6 miles (197.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 108.1 miles (174 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 29m 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 44m.
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Marcus.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Marcus.
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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
54.9 mi · 59 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 175: Onaea, Decatur Nebraska
1891 ft · 34 sec
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6
Turn right onto State Highway 175
1 km · 56 sec · State Highway 175
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7
Continue on Iowa Avenue
2 mi · 4 min · Iowa Avenue
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8
Turn left onto County Highway L12
16.1 mi · 28 min · County Highway L12
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9
Continue on Lee Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Lee Avenue
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10
Continue on South Hickory Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · South Hickory Street
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11
Continue straight
18.5 mi · 26 min
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12
Turn left onto Aspen Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Aspen Street
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13
Continue on Osceola Avenue
5.4 mi · 7 min · Osceola Avenue
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14
At the end of the road, turn left onto 100th Street
2633 ft · 43 sec · 100th Street
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15
Turn right onto D Avenue
17.1 mi · 23 min · D Avenue
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16
Continue on Ames Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Ames Avenue
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17
Turn left onto East Cedar Street
2229 ft · 2 min · East Cedar Street
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18
Turn right onto North Main Street
21 m · 3 sec · North Main Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Marcus.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
North 16th Street
Merge slight left
54.9 mi · 00h 59m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Council Bluffs and Chance Rain Showers near Marcus.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Marcus?
The road trip is about 122.6 miles (197.3 km) and usually takes 02h 44m 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 61.3 miles from Council Bluffs and 61.3 miles from Marcus.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 108.1 miles (174 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.29 one way or $32.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Council Bluffs and Chance Rain Showers near Marcus.
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 Marcus. Straight-line distance: 108.09 mi (173.95 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 Marcus
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,055 |
| Coordinates | 42.8258200, -95.8075100 |
| Altitude | 445 |
| Country | United States |
End: Marcus (-95.80751, 42.82582)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 197 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.29 | $32.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.37 | $36.75 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.11 | $40.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.91 | $45.83 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.