How far is Malvern, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
The driving distance from Malvern, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is about 31 miles (49.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 22.9 miles (36.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 34m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Human settlement in Mills County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Malvern and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Malvern and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on Main Street
1.5 km · 3 min · Main Street
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2
Continue on County Highway L63
1.6 km · 2 min · County Highway L63
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3
Turn left
12.2 mi · 18 min
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4
Take the ramp slight right
14.1 mi · 16 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
1812 ft · 46 sec
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6
Turn left onto South Expressway
1.5 mi · 3 min · South Expressway
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7
Continue on South 6th Street
1045 ft · 44 sec · South 6th Street
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8
Turn left onto Willow Avenue
939 ft · 23 sec · Willow Avenue
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9
At the end of the road, turn right onto South 8th Street
968 ft · 32 sec · South 8th Street
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10
Turn left onto West Broadway
1361 ft · 39 sec · West Broadway
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Malvern and Council Bluffs.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
County Highway L63
Take the ramp slight right
14.1 mi · 00h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Malvern and Chance Rain Showers near Council Bluffs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Malvern to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 31 miles (49.9 km) and usually takes 00h 34m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Pacific Junction is a useful midpoint, sitting about 15.5 miles from Malvern and 15.5 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 22.9 miles (36.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.11 one way or $8.22 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Malvern and Chance Rain Showers near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Pacific Junction
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 Pacific Junction.
Omaha
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Malvern and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 22.94 mi (36.92 km).
#1 Malvern
City in Mills County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,105 |
| Coordinates | 41.0027800, -95.5852800 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| 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: 50 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.11 | $8.22 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.64 | $9.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.07 | $10.15 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.78 | $11.56 |
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.