How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Monroe, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Monroe, IA is about 157.2 miles (253 km), with a travel time of about 03h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 144.2 miles (232 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 09m 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 04m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Monroe.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Monroe.
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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 left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
10.1 mi · 13 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IA 163 East: East University Avenue, State Fairgrounds
2795 ft · 43 sec
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8
Turn straight onto East University Avenue
7.7 mi · 13 min · East University Avenue
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9
Continue on Northeast University Avenue
1.8 mi · 2 min · Northeast University Avenue
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10
Continue on East University Avenue
15 mi · 17 min · East University Avenue
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Monroe
2103 ft · 57 sec
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12
Turn left onto State Highway 163 (Bus)
2.2 mi · 4 min · State Highway 163 (Bus)
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13
Turn left onto West Washington Street
1222 ft · 60 sec · West Washington Street
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14
Turn right onto North Monroe Street
22 m · 1 sec · North Monroe Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Monroe Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Monroe.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Council Bluffs and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Monroe.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Monroe?
The road trip is about 157.2 miles (253 km) and usually takes 03h 04m 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?
Casey is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.4 miles from Council Bluffs and 78.8 miles from Monroe.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 144.2 miles (232 km), while the road route adds roughly 13 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 10:50 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.93 one way or $41.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Council Bluffs and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Monroe.
Stop Ideas Near Casey
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 Casey.
Creston
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Monroe. Straight-line distance: 144.13 mi (231.95 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 Monroe
City in Jasper County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,905 |
| Coordinates | 41.5222100, -93.1018700 |
| Altitude | 282 |
| Country | United States |
End: Monroe (-93.10187, 41.52221)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 253 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.93 | $41.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.60 | $47.21 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.83 | $51.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.44 | $58.87 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.