How far is Saint Ansgar, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
The driving distance from Saint Ansgar, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is about 278.1 miles (447.6 km), with a travel time of about 04h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 209.7 miles (337.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 44m 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 22m.
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.
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Ansgar and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Ansgar and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on Train Lane
18 m · 5 sec · Train Lane
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2
Turn left onto West 4th Street
1735 ft · 1 min · West 4th Street
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3
Turn left onto South Main Street
1280 ft · 44 sec · South Main Street
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4
Continue on Foothill Avenue
1132 ft · 25 sec · Foothill Avenue
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5
Turn right onto 420th Street
4 mi · 7 min · 420th Street
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6
Turn left onto Balsam Avenue
6 mi · 11 min · Balsam Avenue
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7
Turn right onto State Highway 9
9.4 mi · 13 min · State Highway 9
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8
Continue on East South Street
1 mi · 2 min · East South Street
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9
Continue on State Highway 9
7.1 mi · 10 min · State Highway 9
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10
Take the ramp left
1988 ft · 49 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
115.8 mi · 2 hr 5 min · Avenue of the Saints
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12
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport
14.3 mi · 16 min
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13
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
95.5 mi · 1 hr 43 min
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14
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
19.1 mi · 20 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland
1648 ft · 31 sec
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16
Turn straight onto East Kanesville Boulevard
2.8 mi · 5 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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17
Continue on East Broadway
772 ft · 21 sec · East Broadway
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18
Continue on East Kanesville Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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19
Continue on West Broadway
1993 ft · 51 sec · West Broadway
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Ansgar 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.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
116 mi · 02h 05m
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.
Sunny leaving Saint Ansgar and Sunny near Council Bluffs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Ansgar to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 278.1 miles (447.6 km) and usually takes 04h 22m 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?
Ankeny is a useful midpoint, sitting about 138.9 miles from Saint Ansgar and 139.2 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 209.7 miles (337.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 68.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:16 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.99 one way or $73.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 87.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Saint Ansgar and Sunny near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Ankeny
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 Ankeny.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Ansgar and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 209.67 mi (337.43 km).
#1 Saint Ansgar
City
| Population | 1,125 |
| Coordinates | 43.3783000, -92.9188100 |
| Altitude | 357 |
| 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: 448 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $36.99 | $73.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.72 | $83.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $45.66 | $91.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $52.03 | $104.06 |
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.