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Trip from Council Bluffs, IA to Albia, 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 48m

Distance

192.7 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 39 min
4 AM
3h 35m ★
6 AM
3h 48m
8 AM
4h 14m
10 AM
3h 57m
12 PM
3h 55m
3 PM
3h 58m
5 PM
4h 12m
8 PM
3h 41m

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

Council Bluffs, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Iowa

Albia, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 192.7-mile journey from Council Bluffs, IA, to Albia, IA, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day, with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 48 minutes. You'll primarily be on Interstate 80 and IA 5, with a portion of the route designated as the Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway. The fuel cost is estimated at $29, and with 90% of the drive on highways, it offers a focused travel experience. This trip is best suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. Both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, keeping the scenery consistent throughout.

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

96.4 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 114.1 mi 2h 2m
IA 5 55.2 mi 1h 12m
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway 12.9 mi 14m
West Kanesville Boulevard 4.2 mi 7m
I 35 3.8 mi 4m
West Broadway 1 mi 2m
Ramp 72 H 0.4 mi <1m
Benton Avenue East <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 114.1 mi, about 2h 2m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Broadway

0.4 mi · 1 min · West Broadway
2

Continue on West Broadway

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Broadway
3

Continue on West Kanesville Boulevard

4.2 mi · 7 min · West Kanesville Boulevard
Use the left lane.
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Use the left lane.
5

Merge onto I 80

114 mi · 2 hr 2 min · I 80
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

0.3 mi · 18 sec · I 80
Exit 123B Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit onto Ramp 72 H

0.4 mi · 51 sec · Ramp 72 H
Exit 123B Toward I 35 South: Kansas City
8

Merge onto I 35

3.8 mi · 4 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 68 Toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport, West Des Moines, Norwalk Use the slight right lane.
10

Continue on IA 5

13 mi · 14 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit onto IA 5

19 mi · 22 min · IA 5
Toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
12

Turn left onto IA 5; IA 92

11 mi · 11 min · IA 5; IA 92
13

Take the exit onto IA 5

0.5 mi · 1 min · IA 5
14

Turn right onto IA 5

25 mi · 37 min · IA 5
15

Turn left onto CR H35

356 ft · 9 sec · Benton Avenue East
16

Turn right onto South 2nd Street

170 ft · 12 sec · South 2nd Street
17

Turn left

31 ft · 2 sec
18

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3 hour and 48 minute duration for this 192.7-mile trip, it's ideal for a single-day excursion. Consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight hours and minimize traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $29, this route is quite manageable. The longest stretch on I 80 is over 100 miles, so plan your fuel and restroom breaks accordingly before you embark on that segment. The flexibility of a shorter drive means you can be spontaneous with any brief pauses you might want to take.

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 96.4 miles from Council Bluffs, IA, or about 1h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 114.1 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 42 miles or 50m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 96.4 miles or 1h 48m 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 59m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Council Bluffs, 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 Council Bluffs, IA

This is one driving day of about 192.7 miles and 3h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Council Bluffs, 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 114.1 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

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

Avoca, IA

Fuel and coffee

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

Stuart, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 96.4 miles from Council Bluffs, 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 114.1 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

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

The Backfield Bar & Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Walnut, Iowa

1.6 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 123.9

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15156446155

Visit website

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

The Backfield Bar & Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.3

Walnut, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17127842700

Visit website

Tish's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17123235456

Visit website

The Breakfast Club

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.9

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2:30 pm

+15152247030

Visit website

Apple Barrel Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17123223000

Visit website

Mercy Thai Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+17128284200

Visit website

El Toreado Restaurant Bar & Grill . EP True

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.9

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152262182

Visit website

Minden Bowl Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 27.5

Minden, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+17124832512

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 123.9

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15156446155

Visit website

Casey Creamery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 82.6

Casey, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16417462735

Visit website

Café Postale

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

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

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Closed

+14022845019

Visit website

TMC Chrome Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 123.9

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15154758085

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 110.1

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 123.9

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13193210534

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 27.5

Shelby, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 110.1

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Omaha, NE

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+14025996565

Visit website

Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+14025996565

Visit website

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+14026611804

Visit website

The Old Market

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–1:30 pm

+14023464445

Visit website

Museum Of Shadows

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 2–10 pm

+14028857557

Visit website

Lake Manawa State Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 4 am–10:30 pm

+17123660220

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 119.2 and 192.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
119.2 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 123B Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, K...
5
119.5 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in | Ramp 72 H

Take the exit onto Ramp 72 H toward I 35 South: Kansas City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 123B Toward I 35 South: Kansas City
5
119.9 mi into trip | ~2h 14m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
123.7 mi into trip | ~2h 18m in

Take the exit toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport, West Des Moines, Norwalk

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 68 Toward IA 5: Des Moines International Airport,...
5
192.7 mi into trip | ~3h 47m in | South 2nd Street

Turn right onto South 2nd Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.13 one way

$60.25 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 67 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $33.08 $66.16
premium $4.89 $37.08 $74.17
diesel $5.61 $42.55 $85.09

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 Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 57.8 0 $20.23 $9.25
Efficient EV 48.2 0 $16.86 $7.71
EV Truck/SUV 77.1 0 $26.98 $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 16, 2026

Origin

Council Bluffs, IA

Late night in Council Bluffs on Sunday

Local time

5:25 AM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Albia, IA

Late night in Albia on Sunday

Local time

5:25 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°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

3 degrees cooler at arrival

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

Road read

3h 48m 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?

Expect a highway-focused drive for 90% of this 192.7-mile trip, primarily utilizing I 80 and IA 5. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 114.1 miles on I 80, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While much of the route is highway, the inclusion of IA 5 and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway might offer slight variations in the driving experience as you progress. Overall, this route is designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 114.1 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and IA 5. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 119.2 miles in near I 80.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 192.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 119.2 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.5 miles (Ramp 72 H): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 119.9 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,399 ft 745 ft

Total Climb

795 ft

Total Descent

822 ft

Highest Point

1,399 ft

~68.8 mi in

Elevation Range

654 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Council Bluffs, IA and Albia, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City, Des Moines and Norwalk.

Minneapolis

119.2 mi in | ~2h 13m | via I 80

Kansas City

119.2 mi in | ~2h 13m | via I 80

Des Moines

123.7 mi in | ~2h 18m

Norwalk

123.7 mi in | ~2h 18m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 48m. Total distance: 192.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 48m 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 114.1 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 Albia, 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 119.2 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.5 miles (Ramp 72 H): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 119.9 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Albia, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Albia, IA to Council Bluffs, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

192.6 mi 3h 10m

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