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Trip from Council Bluffs, IA to Britt, 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 53m

Distance

249.9 mi

402 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 41 min
4 AM
4h 40m ★
6 AM
4h 54m
8 AM
5h 21m
10 AM
5h 3m
12 PM
5h 1m
3 PM
5h 5m
5 PM
5h 20m
8 PM
4h 46m

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

Council Bluffs, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Britt, IA, IA

Britt, IA

Quang Nguyen Vinh

Trip Overview

This 249.9-mile journey from Council Bluffs, IA, to Britt, IA, is planned for a 4-hour and 53-minute drive, making it a feasible one-day trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $38, it's an economical option for exploring the Midwest. The route primarily utilizes local roads, indicated by its 'turn-heavy' profile, so expect a more involved driving experience than a simple interstate cruise. Given the duration and road type, plan for at least one stop to break up the drive and stay refreshed. This trip stays within Iowa, offering a consistent regional feel throughout.

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

124.9 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 128.2 mi 2h 18m
I 35 56.2 mi 1h 1m
US 69 25.9 mi 35m
Little Wall Lake Road 19.5 mi 26m
US 18 9.5 mi 13m
West Kanesville Boulevard 4.2 mi 7m
US 20 3.3 mi 3m
West Broadway 1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 128.2 mi, about 2h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

14 mi · 16 min · I 80
Exit 123B Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

56 mi · 1 hr 1 min · I 35
Toward I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 56 sec
Toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
9

Merge onto US 20

3.3 mi · 3 min · US 20
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward US 69
11

Turn right onto US 69

19 mi · 26 min · Little Wall Lake Road
12

Turn right onto US 69; IA 3

0.8 mi · 1 min · 220th Street
13

Turn straight onto US 69; IA 3

12 mi · 17 min · US 69; IA 3
14

Continue on US 69

14 mi · 18 min · US 69
15

At end of road, turn left onto US 18; US 69

9.5 mi · 13 min · US 18; US 69
16

Turn left onto Main Avenue North

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Main Avenue North
17

Arrive at destination

Main Avenue North

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 53-minute estimated duration and the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, starting your trip in the morning is advisable to allow ample time. Plan for one stop to manage your energy and grab any necessities. Since this is a single-day trip of 249.9 miles, you have flexibility; however, don't underestimate the time needed for local roads. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $38, and filling up before heading out of Council Bluffs is a good strategy to ensure you're covered.

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 124.9 miles from Council Bluffs, IA, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.2 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 4m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 124.9 miles or 2h 19m 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 51m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Britt, 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 249.9 miles and 4h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 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 128.2 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

125 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 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Grimes, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 124.9 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 128.2 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

Ambro's Roadhouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

De Soto, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 107.1

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15158349174

Visit website

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stuart, Iowa

0.8 mi

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Council Bluffs, Iowa

0.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.6

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.3 mi

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ames, Iowa

2.3 mi

Ambro's Roadhouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 107.1

De Soto, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15158349174

Visit website

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.2

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155238000

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

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 71.4

Adair, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8:30 pm

+16417423611

Visit website

The Embers Restaurant and Lounge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 35.7

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+17123432419

Visit website

Fuego Mexican restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 71.4

Adair, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16417422025

Visit website

100th St. Corner Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 124.9

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–1:30 pm

+15153312343

Visit website

Istanbul Grill Cafe & Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 124.9

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15152071292

Visit website

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15159563556

Visit website

Vinyl Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15154602116

Life Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 124.9

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 124.9

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+15155090915

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

Juniper & Olive Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 178.5

Jewell, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+15155098435

Visit website

Labyrinth Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 107.1

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 160.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 160.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 35.7

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 160.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 160.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

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

Blink Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 89.2

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

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

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 160.6

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

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

Z'Mariks Noodle Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 124.9

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152239605

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 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 5.2 and 240.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
5.2 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the ramp

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
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...
8
133.6 mi into trip | ~2h 29m in | I 35

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35 toward I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines

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 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, De...
4
189.8 mi into trip | ~3h 30m in

Take the exit toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
5
240.1 mi into trip | ~4h 40m in | US 18; US 69

At end of road, turn left onto US 18; US 69

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.07 one way

$78.14 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 87 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $42.90 $85.79
premium $4.89 $48.09 $96.18
diesel $5.61 $55.17 $110.35

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: 87.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 75 0 $26.24 $12.00
Efficient EV 62.5 0 $21.87 $10.00
EV Truck/SUV 100 1 $34.99 $15.99

Gas CO2

87 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (67% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Council Bluffs, IA

Night in Council Bluffs on Saturday

Local time

9:50 PM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Britt, IA

Night in Britt on Saturday

Local time

9:50 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°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

16 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 53m 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?

Prepare for a 'turn-heavy local drive' as you navigate between Council Bluffs and Britt. With a 0% highway share, this route emphasizes local roads, meaning you'll be making frequent turns and encountering varied road conditions. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't a factor here, as the nature of local driving suggests a more stop-and-go rhythm. This isn't a high-speed, long-haul experience; rather, it's a drive where you'll be more engaged with the immediate surroundings as you progress through Iowa's landscape.

89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.2 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 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.2 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 249.9 miles you will encounter 11 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 5.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 119.2 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.6 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 Council Bluffs, IA and Britt, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City and Des Moines.

Minneapolis

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

Kansas City

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

Des Moines

133.6 mi in | ~2h 29m | via I 35

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 53m. Total distance: 249.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 128.2 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 Britt, 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 5.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 119.2 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.6 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 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Britt, 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

Return Trip

Britt, IA to Council Bluffs, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

247.9 mi 4h 50m

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