How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Mount Ayr, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Mount Ayr, IA is about 120.4 miles (193.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 92.8 miles (149.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 57m 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 58m.
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.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Mount Ayr.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Mount Ayr.
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1
Start on West Broadway
1850 ft · 53 sec · West Broadway
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2
Turn left onto South 16th Street
1732 ft · 59 sec · South 16th Street
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3
Turn left onto 5th Avenue
1.1 km · 2 min · 5th Avenue
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4
Turn right onto South 7th Street
142 m · 16 sec · South 7th Street
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5
Turn slight left onto South Expressway
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Expressway
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6
Take the ramp slight right toward I 29 South, I 80 East: Des Moines, Kansas City
2672 ft · 1 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 29 South: Kansas City
2835 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
12.3 mi · 13 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 34, US 275 South: South Bellevue, Glenwood
1809 ft · 44 sec
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10
Keep slight left
1.2 km · 2 min
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11
Merge slight left onto US Highway 34
71.8 mi · 1 hr 47 min · US Highway 34
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12
Turn right onto Adams-Union Avenue
5.5 mi · 8 min · Adams-Union Avenue
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13
Continue on State Highway 25
13 mi · 19 min · State Highway 25
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14
Continue on State Highway 2
12.3 mi · 18 min · State Highway 2
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15
Turn left onto South Polk Street
1381 ft · 1 min · South Polk Street
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16
Turn right onto East Madison Street
88 m · 13 sec · East Madison Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Madison Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Mount Ayr.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US Highway 34
Merge slight left onto US Highway 34
71.8 mi · 01h 47m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Council Bluffs and Partly Cloudy near Mount Ayr.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Mount Ayr?
The road trip is about 120.4 miles (193.8 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Stanton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60.1 miles from Council Bluffs and 60.3 miles from Mount Ayr.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 92.8 miles (149.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.6 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 12:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.03 one way or $32.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Council Bluffs and Partly Cloudy near Mount Ayr.
Stop Ideas Near Stanton
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 Stanton.
Creston
Omaha
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Mount Ayr. Straight-line distance: 92.83 mi (149.39 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 Mount Ayr
City in Ringgold County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,601 |
| Coordinates | 40.7147100, -94.2352300 |
| Altitude | 372 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mount Ayr (-94.23523, 40.71471)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 194 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.03 | $32.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.08 | $36.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.78 | $39.56 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.54 | $45.08 |
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 · May 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.