How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Milford, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Milford, IA is about 197.2 miles (317.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 147.1 miles (236.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 46m 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 53m.
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.
The second most populous city in Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Milford.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Milford.
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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
44.2 mi · 51 min
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8
Turn right onto 230th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 230th Street
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9
Continue on 230th Street
72 m · 4 sec · 230th Street
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10
Continue on Olive Avenue
1.6 km · 1 min · Olive Avenue
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11
Turn right onto 220th Street
30.8 mi · 43 min · 220th Street
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12
Turn right onto Okoboji Avenue
1179 ft · 36 sec · Okoboji Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Okoboji Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Milford.
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
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 Milford.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Milford?
The road trip is about 197.2 miles (317.4 km) and usually takes 03h 53m 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?
Sioux City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98.6 miles from Council Bluffs and 98.7 miles from Milford.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 147.1 miles (236.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 50.1 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 9:14 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.25 one way or $52.49 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Council Bluffs and Sunny near Milford.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Milford. Straight-line distance: 147.08 mi (236.7 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 Milford
City in Dickinson County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 3,043 |
| Coordinates | 43.3246900, -95.1500000 |
| Altitude | 439 |
| Country | United States |
End: Milford (-95.15, 43.32469)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 317 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.25 | $52.49 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.60 | $59.20 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.39 | $64.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.92 | $73.83 |
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 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.