How far is Cresco, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
The driving distance from Cresco, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is about 316.6 miles (509.5 km), with a travel time of about 05h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 241 miles (387.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 10m 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 05h 05m.
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 Story County, Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cresco and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cresco and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on 8th Avenue East
1678 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue East
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2
Turn left onto 3rd Street West
3257 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street West
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3
Continue on 3rd Street Southwest
774 ft · 20 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
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4
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
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5
Continue on State Highway 9
20.6 mi · 28 min · State Highway 9
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6
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · East Main Street
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7
Continue on Highway 9
1.2 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
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8
Continue on State Highway 9
12.3 mi · 17 min · State Highway 9
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9
Turn left
11.2 mi · 16 min
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10
Take the ramp left toward US 18 east, IA 27 north: Mason City
1560 ft · 43 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
30.8 mi · 36 min · Avenue of the Saints
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12
Take the exit slight left toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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13
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
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14
Merge slight left
102.7 mi · 1 hr 51 min
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15
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
14.3 mi · 16 min
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16
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
95.5 mi · 1 hr 43 min
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17
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
19.1 mi · 20 min
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18
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland
1648 ft · 31 sec
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19
Turn straight onto East Kanesville Boulevard
2.8 mi · 5 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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20
Continue on East Broadway
772 ft · 21 sec · East Broadway
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21
Continue on East Kanesville Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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22
Continue on West Broadway
1993 ft · 51 sec · West Broadway
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cresco and Council Bluffs.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
103 mi · 01h 51m
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 Cresco and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Council Bluffs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cresco to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 316.6 miles (509.5 km) and usually takes 05h 05m 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?
Ames is a useful midpoint, sitting about 158.2 miles from Cresco and 158.4 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 241 miles (387.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 75.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:50 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $42.12 one way or $84.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 99.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cresco and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Ames
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 Ames.
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cresco and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 240.96 mi (387.78 km).
#1 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Council Bluffs
The most populous city in Pottawattamie County, Iowa.
| Population | 62,216 |
| Coordinates | 41.2619400, -95.8608300 |
| Altitude | 301 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Broadway (-95.86083, 41.261939)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 510 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $42.12 | $84.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $47.51 | $95.01 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $51.99 | $103.97 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $59.25 | $118.49 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.