How far is Council Bluffs, IA from Washington, IA?
The driving distance from Council Bluffs, IA to Washington, IA is about 242.8 miles (390.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 216.4 miles (348.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 49m 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 54m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The most populous city in Dallas County, Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Council Bluffs and Washington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs and Washington.
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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
1510 ft · 19 sec
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Kansas City
2130 ft · 52 sec · Ramp 72 H
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8
Merge slight left
3.8 mi · 4 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport, West Des Moines, Norwalk
1.3 km · 1 min
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10
Continue on Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
12.9 mi · 15 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
19 mi · 23 min
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12
Turn left
58.1 mi · 1 hr 15 min
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13
Continue on State Highway 92
24.7 mi · 36 min · State Highway 92
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14
Turn right
2 mi · 3 min
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15
Turn left onto West 5th Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West 5th Street
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16
Turn right onto North Marion Avenue
1469 ft · 1 min · North Marion Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Marion Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Council Bluffs and Washington.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
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.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny leaving Council Bluffs and Showers And Thunderstorms near Washington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Council Bluffs to Washington?
The road trip is about 242.8 miles (390.7 km) and usually takes 04h 54m 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?
West Des Moines is a useful midpoint, sitting about 121.1 miles from Council Bluffs and 121.7 miles from Washington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 216.4 miles (348.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.4 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 7:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.32 one way or $64.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 76.2 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 Showers And Thunderstorms near Washington.
Stop Ideas Near West Des Moines
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 West Des Moines.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Council Bluffs and Washington. Straight-line distance: 216.4 mi (348.27 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 Washington
City in Washington County, Kansas
| Population | 1,131 |
| Coordinates | 41.2991800, -91.6929400 |
| Altitude | 232 |
| Country | United States |
End: Washington (-91.69294, 41.29918)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 391 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.32 | $64.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.45 | $72.90 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $39.88 | $79.77 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $45.46 | $90.91 |
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.