How far is Waukee, IA from Council Bluffs, IA?
The driving distance from Waukee, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is about 116.4 miles (187.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.1 miles (169.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 47m 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 01h 53m.
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.
Human settlement in Audubon County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waukee and Council Bluffs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukee and Council Bluffs.
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1
Start on Ashworth Drive
43 m · 14 sec · Ashworth Drive
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2
Turn sharp left onto 6th Street
1.3 km · 1 min · 6th Street
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3
Continue on Ute Avenue
2.6 mi · 4 min · Ute Avenue
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4
Take the ramp right toward I-80 west: Council Bluffs
1464 ft · 36 sec
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5
Merge slight left
89.2 mi · 1 hr 36 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
19.1 mi · 20 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland
1648 ft · 31 sec
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8
Turn straight onto East Kanesville Boulevard
2.8 mi · 5 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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9
Continue on East Broadway
772 ft · 21 sec · East Broadway
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10
Continue on East Kanesville Boulevard
1.4 km · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
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11
Continue on West Broadway
1993 ft · 51 sec · West Broadway
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Broadway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waukee 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
Merge slight left
89.2 mi · 01h 36m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Waukee and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Council Bluffs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukee to Council Bluffs?
The road trip is about 116.4 miles (187.4 km) and usually takes 01h 53m 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?
Brayton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.2 miles from Waukee and 58.3 miles from Council Bluffs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.1 miles (169.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.3 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 2:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.50 one way or $31.00 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Waukee and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Council Bluffs.
Stop Ideas Near Brayton
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 Brayton.
Creston
Omaha
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukee and Council Bluffs. Straight-line distance: 105.14 mi (169.21 km).
#1 Waukee
City in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 26,166 |
| Coordinates | 41.6116600, -93.8852300 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| 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: 187 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.50 | $31.00 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.48 | $34.96 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.13 | $38.26 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.80 | $43.60 |
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 · 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.