How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Northwood, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Northwood, IA is about 268.4 miles (432 km), with a travel time of about 04h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 202.2 miles (325.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 59m 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 04h 59m.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Northwood.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Northwood.
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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
14.4 mi · 17 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
128.1 mi · 2 hr 18 min
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8
Take the exit slight right
1929 ft · 48 sec
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9
Turn right onto County Road 105
5.6 mi · 10 min · County Road 105
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10
Continue on Central Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Central Avenue
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Northwood.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 35 North
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines
128 mi · 02h 18m
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 Northwood.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Northwood?
The road trip is about 268.4 miles (432 km) and usually takes 04h 59m 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?
Saylorville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 134.1 miles from Council Bluffs and 134.3 miles from Northwood.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 202.2 miles (325.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 66.2 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 7:00 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $35.71 one way or $71.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 84.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Council Bluffs and Sunny near Northwood.
Stop Ideas Near Saylorville
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 Saylorville.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Northwood. Straight-line distance: 202.22 mi (325.44 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 Northwood
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,958 |
| Coordinates | 43.4441200, -93.2210400 |
| Altitude | 375 |
| Country | United States |
End: Northwood (-93.22104, 43.44412)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 432 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $35.71 | $71.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $40.28 | $80.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $44.07 | $88.15 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $50.23 | $100.46 |
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.