How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Urbandale, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Urbandale, IA is about 126.3 miles (203.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 114.1 miles (183.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 05m 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 02m.
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.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Urbandale.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Urbandale.
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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
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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8
Turn sharp left onto 73rd Street
1.9 mi · 3 min · 73rd Street
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9
Continue on 72nd Street
3073 ft · 1 min · 72nd Street
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10
Turn right onto Roseland Drive
1302 ft · 1 min · Roseland Drive
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11
Turn left onto 70th Street
106 m · 11 sec · 70th Street
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12
Turn right onto Maryland Drive
4 m · 1 sec · Maryland Drive
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Maryland Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Urbandale.
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 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.
Partly Sunny leaving Council Bluffs and Mostly Sunny near Urbandale.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Urbandale?
The road trip is about 126.3 miles (203.3 km) and usually takes 02h 02m 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?
Anita is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.8 miles from Council Bluffs and 63.6 miles from Urbandale.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 114.1 miles (183.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.2 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.82 one way or $33.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Council Bluffs and Mostly Sunny near Urbandale.
Stop Ideas Near Anita
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 Anita.
Creston
Osceola
Omaha
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Urbandale. Straight-line distance: 114.1 mi (183.62 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 Urbandale
A city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 44,650 |
| Coordinates | 41.6266600, -93.7121700 |
| Altitude | 288 |
| Country | United States |
End: Maryland Drive (-93.71217, 41.626694)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 203 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.82 | $33.64 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.97 | $37.94 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.76 | $41.51 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.66 | $47.31 |
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 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.