Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Clarksville, 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

4h 51m

Distance

252.2 mi

406 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 38m ★
6 AM
4h 51m
8 AM
5h 18m
10 AM
5h 1m
12 PM
4h 58m
3 PM
5h 2m
5 PM
5h 17m
8 PM
4h 43m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Clarksville, IA, IA

Clarksville, IA

Quang Nguyen Vinh

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

Council Bluffs, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Clarksville, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is 252.2 miles and takes about 4h 51m via I 80, I 35, and State Highway 3, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip keeps you within the Midwest, traveling entirely within Iowa on a predominantly highway-focused drive. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day journey. You'll be spending most of your time on major interstates, making for a straightforward and efficient trip. Consider this route if you're looking for a direct path between these two Iowa points without extensive detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

126.1 miles from Clarksville, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 114.6 mi 2h 3m
I 35 92.1 mi 1h 40m
State Highway 3 18.2 mi 25m
210th Street 15.7 mi 21m
East Kanesville Boulevard 3.7 mi 6m
Central Avenue East 2.1 mi 4m
State Highway 188 1.8 mi 2m
South Street 1.7 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 114.6 mi, about 2h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on East Superior Street

37 ft · 6 sec · East Superior Street
2

Turn left onto IA 188

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
3

Continue on State Highway 188

1.8 mi · 2 min · State Highway 188
4

At end of road, turn right onto IA 3

6.5 mi · 8 min · 210th Street
5

Continue on IA 3; IA 14

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
6

Continue on IA 3

7.4 mi · 10 min · 210th Street
7

Continue on IA 3

1.7 mi · 2 min · South Street
8

Continue on IA 3

1.8 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
9

Continue on IA 3

8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 3
10

Continue on IA 3

2.1 mi · 4 min · Central Avenue East
11

Continue on IA 3

9.0 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
12

Continue on IA 3

517 ft · 13 sec · Balsam Avenue
13

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward Hampton, Clarion
14

Merge onto I 35

78 mi · 1 hr 24 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

14 mi · 16 min · I 35
Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

96 mi · 1 hr 42 min · I 80
Toward I 80 West: Omaha Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

19 mi · 20 min · I 80
Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 31 sec
Toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland
19

Turn straight onto IA 906

2.8 mi · 4 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
20

Continue on IA 906

0.1 mi · 20 sec · East Broadway
21

Continue on IA 906

0.9 mi · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
22

Continue on West Broadway

0.4 mi · 50 sec · West Broadway
23

Arrive at destination

West Broadway

Trip Plan

With a drive time under 5 hours, this is definitely a one-day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. Leaving in the morning will give you ample daylight to reach Council Bluffs comfortably. You'll have one recommended stop, but with the longest stretch being over 100 miles, plan for a fuel and rest break around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 114.6-mile segment on I 80, as services can sometimes be spaced out on interstates. The $39 fuel cost is an estimate, so check current prices before you go.

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 126.1 miles from Clarksville, IA, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 114.6 miles.

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 55 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 126.1 miles or 2h 31m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 58m

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 Clarksville, 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 Clarksville, IA

This is one driving day of about 252.2 miles and 4h 51m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Clarksville, 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.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 114.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

human settlement in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waukee, IA

126 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

Iowa Falls, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Urbandale, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 126.1 miles from Clarksville, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 114.6 miles.

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

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Adair, Iowa

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 180.2

Hours: 7 am–8:30 pm

+16417423611

Visit website

The Embers Restaurant and Lounge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Avoca, Iowa

0.3 mi

Fuego Mexican restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Adair, Iowa

0.5 mi

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 180.2

Adair, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8:30 pm

+16417423611

Visit website

The Embers Restaurant and Lounge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 216.2

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+17123432419

Visit website

Fuego Mexican restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 180.2

Adair, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16417422025

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 252.2

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

Flame The Taqueria

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 126.1

Johnston, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15157238934

Visit website

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 162.1

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155238000

Visit website

Tullpa Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 126.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152142327

Visit website

Vietnam Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+15152528713

Visit website

Café Postale

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 252.2

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Closed

+14022845019

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 90.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 90.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 72.1

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 90.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.1

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+15155090915

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 126.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

The Vault

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 90.1

Gilbert, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15152321686

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 216.2

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 144.1

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 252.2

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 252.2

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 252.2

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 162.1

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 90.1

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 252.2

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 252.2

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 252.2

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 252.2

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+14026611804

Visit website

Paris Banh Mi Windsor Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.1

Windsor Heights, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7:30 pm

+15152778888

Visit website

The Old Market

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 252.2

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 252.2

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 252.2

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 4 am–10:30 pm

+17123660220

Visit website

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 40.7 and 228.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
40.7 mi into trip | ~57m in

Take the ramp toward Hampton, Clarion

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Hampton, Clarion
5
41 mi into trip | ~58m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
118.8 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in | I 35

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35 toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council B...
7
133.1 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Omaha

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 80 West: Omaha
6
228.6 mi into trip | ~4h 21m in | I 80

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebrask...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.43 one way

$78.86 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 88 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $43.29 $86.58
premium $4.89 $48.53 $97.07
diesel $5.61 $55.68 $111.37

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$39

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 88.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 75.7 0 $26.48 $12.11
Efficient EV 63.1 0 $22.07 $10.09
EV Truck/SUV 100.9 1 $35.31 $16.14

Gas CO2

88 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Clarksville, IA

Morning in Clarksville on Sunday

Local time

7:04 AM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Council Bluffs, IA

Morning in Council Bluffs on Sunday

Local time

7:04 AM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

8 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

4h 51m on the road

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

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is characterized by its 90% highway share, meaning you'll be on fast-paced interstates for the vast majority of your journey. Expect a highway-focused profile with stretches designed for consistent speed. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is 114.6 miles on I 80, so be prepared for an extended period of steady driving. While the primary roads are I 80, I 35, and State Highway 3, the overall feel is that of a typical interstate commute, prioritizing efficiency over scenic byways.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 114.6 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 35. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 40.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 252.2 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 40.7 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 118.8 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Clarksville, IA and Council Bluffs, IA, road signs point toward Hampton, Clarion, Davenport and Omaha Nebraska.

Hampton

40.7 mi in | ~57m

Clarion

40.7 mi in | ~57m

Davenport

118.8 mi in | ~2h 22m | via I 35

Omaha Nebraska

228.6 mi in | ~4h 21m | via I 80

About the Cities

Arriving in Council Bluffs, IA

Full guide →

Council Bluffs is a city in Southwest Iowa, just across the Missouri River from Omaha. It is known for its casinos and ties to the transcontinental railroad. It is sometimes called "Iowa's Leading Edge."

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 51m. Total distance: 252.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 114.6 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Council Bluffs, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 40.7 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 118.8 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Council Bluffs, IA

Dubuque, IA 318.1 mi · 6h 9m Cascade, IA 292.8 mi · 5h 39m Fayette, IA 290.2 mi · 5h 59m Springville, IA 261.5 mi · 5h 3m

More from Clarksville, IA

Sioux City, IA 210.6 mi · 4h 20m Davenport, IA 167.1 mi · 3h 20m West Des Moines, IA 130.8 mi · 2h 39m Des Moines, IA 124.6 mi · 2h 30m Ankeny, IA 115.3 mi · 2h 21m

More trips to Council Bluffs, IA

Clinton, IA 326 mi Postville, IA 313.6 mi Fort Madison, IA 305.2 mi Burlington, IA 296.6 mi Mechanicsville, IA 273.1 mi Nashua, IA 271.3 mi
Escape planner: Clarksville, IA Scenic drives in IA

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

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.