How far is Onawa, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
The driving distance from Onawa, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is about 60.2 miles (96.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 54.2 miles (87.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 55m 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 00h 57m.
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 Harrison County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Onawa and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Onawa and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on 10th Street
9 m · 8 sec · 10th Street
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2
Turn left onto Iowa Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Iowa Avenue
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3
Continue on State Highway 175
1.6 km · 2 min · State Highway 175
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4
Take the ramp left
2024 ft · 50 sec
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5
Merge slight left
55.1 mi · 59 min
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6
Take the exit slight left
2123 ft · 52 sec
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7
Continue on North 16th Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North 16th Street
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8
Turn left onto West Broadway
3164 ft · 1 min · West Broadway
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9
Continue on West Broadway
1361 ft · 39 sec · West Broadway
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Onawa 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.
State Highway 175
Merge slight left
55.1 mi · 00h 59m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Onawa and Chance Rain Showers then 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 Onawa to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 60.2 miles (96.9 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
Modale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 30.1 miles from Onawa and 30.1 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 54.2 miles (87.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.03 one way or $16.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Onawa and Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Modale
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 Modale.
Omaha
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Onawa and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 54.23 mi (87.27 km).
#1 Onawa
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,766 |
| Coordinates | 42.0266500, -96.0972400 |
| Altitude | 320 |
| 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: 97 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.03 | $16.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.06 | $18.12 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.91 | $19.83 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.30 | $22.60 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.