How far is Mount Ayr, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
Fastest route
The distance from Mt Ayr, Iowa 50854 to Council Bluffs, Iowa is approximately 119 miles (192 kilometers). The estimated travel time is 2 hours and 9 minutes. The recommended route is via US-34 W, which is currently the best option considering traffic conditions.
Directions
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🚗 Take S Polk St to US-169 S/E South St: Start by heading west on E Madison St toward N Polk St. Then, turn left at the first cross street onto S Polk St. Finally, make a right onto US-169 S/E South St.
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🚗 Continue on US-169 S: Follow the US-169 S road, passing by First Interstate Bank on the right.
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🚗 Take IA-25 N to US-34 W in Adams County: Stay on US-169 S until you reach IA-25 N. Continue straight onto IA-2 W, then follow the road until you reach US-34 W in Adams County.
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🚗 Follow US-34 W and I-29 N: Take the route via US-34 W, and then merge onto I-29 N. Continue driving on I-29 N.
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🚗 Take exit 49 toward South Expy/Downtown: Take exit 49 on I-29 N toward South Expy/Downtown.
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🚗 Turn left onto S Expressway St: Once you've taken the exit, make a left turn onto S Expressway St.
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🚗 Turn left onto W Kanesville Blvd: Finally, make a left turn onto W Kanesville Blvd, which will lead you to your destination in Council Bluffs.
Tips & Suggestions
- ⛽ Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel before embarking on the journey.
- 📱 Use a navigation app or GPS device to stay on track and receive real-time traffic updates.
- 🚧 Check for any road closures or construction updates along the route before you start.
- 🍽️ Pack some snacks or plan for meal breaks along the way to stay energized during the trip.
- 🚘 Follow the speed limits and traffic regulations to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
- 🕑 Consider leaving with some extra time in case of unexpected delays or traffic congestion.
- 🌳 Enjoy the scenic views during the drive and take breaks at rest areas for a refreshing experience.
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 09m.
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 Montgomery County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mount Ayr and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mount Ayr and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on East Madison Street
88 m · 18 sec · East Madison Street
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2
Turn left onto South Polk Street
1381 ft · 1 min · South Polk Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto East South Street
12.3 mi · 18 min · East South Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 25
13 mi · 19 min · State Highway 25
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5
Continue on Adams-Union Avenue
5.5 mi · 8 min · Adams-Union Avenue
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6
Turn left
71.3 mi · 1 hr 46 min
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7
Take the ramp slight right
14.1 mi · 16 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
1812 ft · 46 sec
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9
Turn left onto South Expressway
1.5 mi · 3 min · South Expressway
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10
Continue on South 6th Street
1045 ft · 44 sec · South 6th Street
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11
Turn left onto Willow Avenue
939 ft · 23 sec · Willow Avenue
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12
At the end of the road, turn right onto South 8th Street
968 ft · 32 sec · South 8th Street
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13
Turn left onto West Broadway
1361 ft · 39 sec · West Broadway
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mount Ayr 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.
Longest stretch
Turn left
71.3 mi · 01h 46m
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 Cloudy leaving Mount Ayr and Mostly Sunny near Council Bluffs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mount Ayr to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 119.2 miles (191.8 km) and usually takes 02h 09m 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?
Villisca is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.5 miles from Mount Ayr and 59.7 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 92.8 miles (149.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.88 one way or $31.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Mount Ayr and Mostly Sunny near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Villisca
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 Villisca.
Creston
Omaha
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mount Ayr and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 92.83 mi (149.39 km).
#1 Mount Ayr
City in Ringgold County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,601 |
| Coordinates | 40.7147100, -94.2352300 |
| Altitude | 372 |
| 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: 192 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.88 | $31.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.91 | $35.81 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.59 | $39.19 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.33 | $44.66 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.