How far is Eldridge, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
The driving distance from Eldridge, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is about 295.5 miles (475.5 km), with a travel time of about 04h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 274.5 miles (441.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 54m 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 27m.
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 Jasper County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Eldridge and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eldridge and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on North 2nd Street
22 m · 5 sec · North 2nd Street
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2
Turn right onto Donahue Street
95 m · 13 sec · Donahue Street
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3
Turn right onto North 1st Street
1315 ft · 49 sec · North 1st Street
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4
Turn left onto East Leclaire Road
1 km · 2 min · East Leclaire Road
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5
Take the ramp slight right
1937 ft · 47 sec
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6
Merge slight left
3.4 mi · 4 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
69.9 mi · 1 hr 17 min
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8
Continue straight
102 mi · 1 hr 51 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
95.5 mi · 1 hr 43 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
19.1 mi · 20 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland
1648 ft · 31 sec
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12
Turn straight onto East Kanesville Boulevard
2.8 mi · 5 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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13
Continue on East Broadway
772 ft · 21 sec · East Broadway
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14
Continue on East Kanesville Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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15
Continue on West Broadway
1993 ft · 51 sec · West Broadway
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Eldridge and Council Bluffs.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
East Leclaire Road
Continue straight
102 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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Eldridge and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Council Bluffs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Eldridge to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 295.5 miles (475.5 km) and usually takes 04h 27m 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?
Colfax is a useful midpoint, sitting about 147.6 miles from Eldridge and 147.9 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 274.5 miles (441.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 21 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 8:06 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $39.29 one way or $78.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 92.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Eldridge and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Colfax
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 Colfax.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Eldridge and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 274.53 mi (441.81 km).
#1 Eldridge
City in Scott County Iowa
| Population | 6,864 |
| Coordinates | 41.6580900, -90.5845800 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| 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: 475 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $39.29 | $78.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $44.32 | $88.63 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $48.49 | $96.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $55.27 | $110.54 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.