How far is Washington, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
The driving distance from Washington, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is about 218 miles (350.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 168 miles (270.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 34m 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 17m.
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.
Township in Dallas County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Washington and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Washington and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on State Highway 3
6.4 mi · 9 min · State Highway 3
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2
Continue on Balsam Avenue
158 m · 13 sec · Balsam Avenue
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3
Take the ramp left toward Hampton, Clarion
1610 ft · 39 sec
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4
Merge slight left
77.8 mi · 1 hr 24 min
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5
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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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
95.5 mi · 1 hr 43 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
19.1 mi · 20 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland
1648 ft · 31 sec
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9
Turn straight onto East Kanesville Boulevard
2.8 mi · 5 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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10
Continue on East Broadway
772 ft · 21 sec · East Broadway
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11
Continue on East Kanesville Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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12
Continue on West Broadway
1993 ft · 51 sec · West Broadway
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Washington 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.
I 80 West
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Omaha
95.5 mi · 01h 43m
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.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Washington 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 Washington to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 218 miles (350.9 km) and usually takes 03h 17m 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?
Van Meter is a useful midpoint, sitting about 108.9 miles from Washington and 109.2 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 168 miles (270.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 50 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 10:26 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.04 one way or $58.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 68.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Washington and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Van Meter
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 Van Meter.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Washington and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 167.96 mi (270.31 km).
#1 Washington
City in Franklin County, Missouri
| Population | 7,206 |
| Coordinates | 42.7477500, -93.2713100 |
| Altitude | 367 |
| 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: 351 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.04 | $58.07 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $32.75 | $65.50 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $35.84 | $71.67 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $40.84 | $81.68 |
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.