Spanning 170.1 miles across Iowa, this trip from Council Bluffs to Gilbert is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 16 minutes behind the wheel. Because the total duration is quite manageable, it works perfectly as a one-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $26 on fuel for the trip, making it an affordable regional jaunt. The route begins in the western part of the state and heads toward the center, keeping you firmly within the Midwest. It’s an ideal option if you are looking for a practical, direct way to navigate between these two Iowa communities without the complexity of a multi-day itinerary.
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
85.1 miles from Council Bluffs, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 80
128.2 mi
2h 18m
I 35
27 mi
29m
West Kanesville Boulevard
4.2 mi
7m
Grand Avenue
2.8 mi
4m
East Riverside Road
2.2 mi
3m
Dayton Avenue
2 mi
3m
West Broadway
1 mi
2m
170th Street
0.9 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 128.2 mi, about 2h 18m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 19 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,587 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~288 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 39 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs, IA and Gilbert, 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 123BToward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35
27 mi·29 min·I 35
Toward I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des MoinesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward USDA Veterinary Labs
9
Turn left onto East 13th Street
0.7 mi·1 min·East 13th Street
10
Turn right onto Dayton Avenue
2.0 mi·3 min·Dayton Avenue
11
Turn left onto East Riverside Road
2.2 mi·3 min·East Riverside Road
12
At end of road, turn right onto US 69
2.8 mi·4 min·Grand Avenue
13
Turn left onto CR E23
0.9 mi·2 min·170th Street
14
Continue on CR E23
515 ft·14 sec·East Mathews Drive
15
Enter roundabout onto CR E23
115 ft·3 sec·Mathews Drive
16
Continue on CR E23
0.5 mi·1 min·Mathews Drive
17
Arrive at destination
CR E23
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time around your own schedule rather than worrying about daylight constraints. I recommend budgeting for at least one planned stop to break up the 170.1-mile drive, which will help keep you fresh for the more technical, turn-heavy sections. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $26 estimate can fluctuate based on local prices along your path. Because the route relies on local roads rather than high-speed highways, check your navigation apps before you leave to ensure there are no unexpected road closures or construction delays in the towns along your way. Having a clear route map ready is a smart move given the reliance on local streets.
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 85.1 miles from Council Bluffs, IA, or about 1h 36m 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 37 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.1 miles or 1h 36m 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 Gilbert, 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 170.1 miles and 3h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 10
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.2 and 169.6 — 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
160.6 mi into trip|~2h 59m in
Take the exit toward USDA Veterinary Labs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward USDA Veterinary Labs
5
169.6 mi into trip|~3h 14m in|CR E23 / Mathews Drive
Enter roundabout onto CR E23 / Mathews Drive
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.28 one way
$56.56 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg60 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$30.81
$61.61
premium
$5.18
$34.71
$69.42
diesel
$5.35
$35.83
$71.66
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
51
0
$17.86
$8.16
Efficient EV
42.5
0
$14.88
$6.80
EV Truck/SUV
68
0
$23.81
$10.89
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Council Bluffs, IA
Afternoon
in Council Bluffs on Wednesday
Local time
4:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 3 mph29% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 31 at 9:38PM CDT until June 1 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Sioux Falls SD
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 31 at 9:32PM CDT until June 1 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
Destination
Gilbert, IA
Afternoon
in Gilbert on Wednesday
Local time
4:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Mostly Cloudy
E 7 mph6% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 31 at 9:38PM CDT until June 1 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Sioux Falls SD
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 31 at 9:32PM CDT until June 1 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
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 16m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route emphasizes navigating local segments over high-speed highway travel. You will start your journey on West Broadway and West Kanesville Boulevard before transitioning toward I-35. Because the highway share is 0%, you should prepare for a more hands-on driving experience that requires your full attention on local roads. This path offers a consistent change of pace, moving away from the typical highway grind in favor of a route that demands more frequent maneuvers. Staying alert is key, as the winding nature of these roads provides a much different feel than a standard, straight-line interstate trek.
91% 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?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 35. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.2 miles in.
Driving Effort5/10
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 170.1 miles you will encounter 10 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,429 ft869 ft
Total Climb
732 ft
Total Descent
731 ft
Highest Point
1,429 ft
~72.9 mi in
Elevation Range
559 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 Gilbert, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City, Des Moines and Usda Veterinary Labs.
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
Usda Veterinary Labs
160.6 mi in|~2h 59m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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."
Top landmarks
•Ruth Anne Dodge Memorial — statue in Council Bluffs, United States of America
•Grenville M. Dodge House — historic house in Iowa, United States
•RailsWest Railroad Museum — railway station in Council Bluffs, the United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 16m. Total distance: 170.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). 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.
Yes — we found about 14 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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.
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 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Gilbert, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.
