How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Red Oak, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Red Oak, IA is about 50.3 miles (81 km), with a travel time of about 01h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 37.3 miles (60.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 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 01h 14m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Red Oak.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Red Oak.
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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
31.1 mi · 46 min · US Highway 34
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12
Turn right onto North Broadway Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · North Broadway Street
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13
Turn left onto West Hammond Street
2305 ft · 2 min · West Hammond Street
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14
Turn right onto North 7th Street
91 m · 15 sec · North 7th Street
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15
Turn right onto East Reed Street
100 m · 14 sec · East Reed Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Reed Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Red Oak.
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
31.1 mi · 00h 46m
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 Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny leaving Council Bluffs and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Red Oak.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Red Oak?
The road trip is about 50.3 miles (81 km) and usually takes 01h 14m 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?
Glenwood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.1 miles from Council Bluffs and 25.2 miles from Red Oak.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 37.3 miles (60.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.71 one way or $13.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny around Council Bluffs and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Red Oak.
Stop Ideas Near Glenwood
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 Glenwood.
Omaha
Lincoln
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Red Oak. Straight-line distance: 37.37 mi (60.14 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 Red Oak
City in and county seat of Montgomery County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,271 |
| Coordinates | 41.0097200, -95.2255500 |
| Altitude | 320 |
| Country | United States |
End: Red Oak (-95.22555, 41.00972)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 81 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.71 | $13.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.57 | $15.14 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.28 | $16.57 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.44 | $18.88 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.