How far is Norwalk, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
The driving distance from Norwalk, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is about 132.1 miles (212.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 114.1 miles (183.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 09m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
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 04m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Norwalk and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Norwalk and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on Main Street
1210 ft · 56 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn right onto Sunset Drive
2269 ft · 51 sec · Sunset Drive
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3
Continue on State Highway 28
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 28
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4
Take the ramp slight right
3171 ft · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
4.2 mi · 5 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis
1.4 km · 2 min
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7
Merge slight left
4.3 mi · 5 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 west: Council Bluffs
2455 ft · 1 min · Ramp 72 J
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9
Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway
2827 ft · 40 sec · John MacVicar Freeway
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10
Merge slight right
94.8 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
19.1 mi · 20 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland
1648 ft · 31 sec
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13
Turn straight onto East Kanesville Boulevard
2.8 mi · 5 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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14
Continue on East Broadway
772 ft · 21 sec · East Broadway
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15
Continue on East Kanesville Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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16
Continue on West Broadway
1993 ft · 51 sec · West Broadway
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Norwalk and Council Bluffs.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
John MacVicar Freeway
Merge slight right
94.8 mi · 01h 42m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Norwalk and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny near Council Bluffs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Norwalk to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 132.1 miles (212.6 km) and usually takes 02h 04m 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?
Anita is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66 miles from Norwalk and 66.1 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 114.1 miles (183.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 18 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 2:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.57 one way or $35.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Norwalk and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Anita
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 Anita.
Creston
Osceola
Omaha
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Norwalk and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 114.1 mi (183.62 km).
#1 Norwalk
City in Warren County and Polk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 12,449 |
| Coordinates | 41.4755500, -93.6788300 |
| Altitude | 288 |
| 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: 213 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.57 | $35.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.82 | $39.64 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.69 | $43.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.72 | $49.43 |
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.