Trip from Albia, IA to Council Bluffs, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 10m

Distance

192.6 mi

310 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min

4 AM

2h 59m ★

6 AM

3h 11m

8 AM

3h 34m

10 AM

3h 19m

12 PM

3h 17m

3 PM

3h 20m

5 PM

3h 33m

8 PM

3h 4m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Albia, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city and the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States

Council Bluffs, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 192.6-mile journey from Albia, IA to Council Bluffs, IA will take approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes of driving time. As a single-day trip, it's quite manageable, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. Expect a fuel cost of around $29 for this drive. The route primarily utilizes local roads, indicated by its 'turn-heavy local drive' profile and zero highway share. You'll be traversing through the heart of the Midwest, staying within Iowa for the entire trip. This drive is best suited for those who prefer a more connected-to-the-ground driving experience over high-speed highway travel.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

96.3 miles from Albia, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
South 2nd Street	—	—
Benton Avenue East	—	—
North Main Street	—	—
Highway 5	—	—
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway	—	—
I-35 north	—	—
I 80 west	—	—
John MacVicar Freeway	—	—

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: South 2nd Street — detailed segment metrics are refreshing.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Albia, IA and Council Bluffs, IA.

Start on the route

33 ft · 4 sec · the route

Turn right onto South 2nd Street

171 ft · 13 sec · South 2nd Street

Turn left onto Benton Avenue East

358 ft · 9 sec · Benton Avenue East

Turn right onto North Main Street

0.3 mi · 30 sec · North Main Street

Keep slight left

25 mi · 37 min

Take the ramp left

11 mi · 12 min

Turn right

0.1 mi · 7 sec

Continue on State Highway 5

19 mi · 22 min · State Highway 5

Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway

12 mi · 14 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway

Keep slight left to continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis

0.9 mi · 1 min · I-35 north: Minneapolis

Merge slight left

4.3 mi · 5 min

Take the exit slight right toward I 80 west: Council Bluffs

0.5 mi · 1 min · I 80 west: Council Bluffs

Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway

0.5 mi · 40 sec · John MacVicar Freeway

Merge slight right

95 mi · 1 hr 41 min

Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska

19 mi · 20 min · I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska

Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland

0.3 mi · 31 sec · US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland

Turn straight onto East Kanesville Boulevard

2.8 mi · 4 min · East Kanesville Boulevard

Continue on East Broadway

0.1 mi · 21 sec · East Broadway

Continue on East Kanesville Boulevard

0.9 mi · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard

Continue on West Broadway

0.4 mi · 51 sec · West Broadway

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 10-minute duration and the local road nature of this 192.6-mile trip, you have flexibility in your departure time. Leaving Albia in the morning allows for a comfortable arrival in Council Bluffs with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop, you can easily break up the journey as needed. The estimated fuel cost is $29, so ensure your tank is full before you depart. A specific tip for this turn-heavy route is to pay close attention to your GPS or map, as frequent navigation adjustments will be part of the experience.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 96.3 miles from Albia, IA, or about 1h 35m into the drive.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 42 miles or 41m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 96.3 miles or 1h 35m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 36m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Council Bluffs, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Albia, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Albia, IA

This is one driving day of about 192.6 miles and 3h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Albia, IA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Warren County and Polk County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Norwalk, IA

96 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Knoxville, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Norwalk, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 96.3 miles from Albia, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 192.6

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

The Backfield Bar & Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Walnut, Iowa

0.9 mi

Tish's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Council Bluffs, Iowa

2.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Hyper Energy Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 68.8

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15156446155

Visit website

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 192.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

The Backfield Bar & Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 151.3

Walnut, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17127842700

Visit website

Tish's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 192.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17123235456

Visit website

The Breakfast Club

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 68.8

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2:30 pm

+15152247030

Visit website

Apple Barrel Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 192.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17123223000

Visit website

Silver Lining Diner

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 151.3

Walnut, Iowa

Hours: 6–10 am

+17128286688

Visit website

Mercy Thai Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 192.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+17128284200

Visit website

Smokey Row Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41.3

Pleasantville, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15158485959

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 68.8

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15156446155

Visit website

Café Postale

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 192.6

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Closed

+14022845019

Visit website

TMC Chrome Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 68.8

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15154758085

Casey Creamery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 110

Casey, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16417462735

Visit website

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 82.5

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+15156446331

Visit website

Vintage Road Coffee Co. - MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 68.8

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13193210534

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 165.1

Shelby, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 192.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 192.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 192.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 192.6

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 82.5

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 192.6

Omaha, NE

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 192.6

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 192.6

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+14025996565

Visit website

Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 192.6

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+14025996565

Visit website

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 192.6

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+14026611804

Visit website

The Old Market

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 192.6

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–1:30 pm

+14023464445

Visit website

Museum Of Shadows

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 192.6

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 2–10 pm

+14028857557

Visit website

Lake Manawa State Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 192.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 4 am–10:30 pm

+17123660220

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.11 one way

$60.22 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 67 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$33.06	$66.12
premium	$4.89	$37.06	$74.13
diesel	$5.61	$42.52	$85.05

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 67.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	57.8	$20.22	$9.24
Efficient EV	48.2	$16.85	$7.70
EV Truck/SUV	77	$26.96	$12.33

Gas CO2

67 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Albia, IA

Late night in Albia on Sunday

Local time

5:25 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Council Bluffs, IA

Late night in Council Bluffs on Sunday

Local time

5:25 AM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Norwalk, IA

96 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

3 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 10m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a driving experience that stays close to the ground, as this route boasts a 0% highway share and is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive.' With no significant uninterrupted stretches mentioned, you should anticipate frequent turns and changes in direction as you navigate. The absence of long highway segments means you'll likely be moving at a more moderate pace throughout the 192.6 miles. This road personality suggests a journey where you'll be more aware of your surroundings and the local landscape, rather than a blur of high-speed travel.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.

21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Main road: South 2nd Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

1/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Albia, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is easy. At 3h 10m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Albia, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 10m. Total distance: 192.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Albia, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Council Bluffs, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Albia, IA or browse trips ending in Council Bluffs, IA.

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Trip from Albia, IA to Council Bluffs, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Runza Restaurant

Hyper Energy Bar

Runza Restaurant

The Backfield Bar & Grill

Tish's Restaurant

The Breakfast Club

Apple Barrel Restaurant

Silver Lining Diner

Mercy Thai Restaurant

Smokey Row Coffee

Hyper Energy Bar

Café Postale

TMC Chrome Cafe

Casey Creamery

Playgrounds Cafe

Vintage Road Coffee Co. - MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

Tesla Supercharger

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Electrify America Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront

Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center

The Old Market

Museum Of Shadows

Lake Manawa State Park

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Albia, IA

Council Bluffs, IA

Same local time

3 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 10m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there rest areas on this route?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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