How far is Spirit Lake, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
The driving distance from Spirit Lake, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is about 206.1 miles (331.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 154.2 miles (248.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 36m 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 03h 18m.
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.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Spirit Lake and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spirit Lake and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on Hill Avenue
48 m · 13 sec · Hill Avenue
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2
Turn left onto 18th Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · 18th Street
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3
Continue on 150th Street
12.8 mi · 18 min · 150th Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 9
9.9 mi · 13 min · State Highway 9
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5
Continue on County Highway L54
1 mi · 1 min · County Highway L54
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6
Continue on Ia 9th Street
5.6 mi · 8 min · Ia 9th Street
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7
Take the ramp left toward Iowa 60: LeMars
1964 ft · 26 sec
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8
Merge slight left
53.5 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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9
Continue straight
30.1 mi · 36 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 29: Sioux City, Council Bluffs
1754 ft · 23 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 South: Council Bluffs, Sioux Gateway Airport
87.9 mi · 1 hr 35 min
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12
Take the exit slight left
2123 ft · 52 sec
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13
Continue on North 16th Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North 16th Street
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14
Turn left onto West Broadway
3164 ft · 1 min · West Broadway
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15
Continue on West Broadway
1361 ft · 39 sec · West Broadway
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Spirit Lake 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.
I 29 South
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 South: Council Bluffs, Sioux Gateway Airport
87.9 mi · 01h 35m
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 Spirit Lake 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 Spirit Lake to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 206.1 miles (331.7 km) and usually takes 03h 18m 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?
Hinton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 102.9 miles from Spirit Lake and 103.1 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 154.2 miles (248.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.9 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 10:24 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.42 one way or $54.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 64.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Spirit Lake and Sunny near Council Bluffs.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Spirit Lake and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 154.2 mi (248.16 km).
#1 Spirit Lake
City in Dickinson County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,251 |
| Coordinates | 43.4221800, -95.1022200 |
| Altitude | 449 |
| 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: 332 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.42 | $54.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.92 | $61.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.83 | $67.67 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.56 | $77.12 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.