Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Council Bluffs, IA to Kalona, 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 44m
Distance
247.2 mi
398 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 31m
★
6 AM
4h 45m
8 AM
5h 12m
10 AM
4h 54m
12 PM
4h 52m
3 PM
4h 56m
5 PM
5h 10m
8 PM
4h 37m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Council Bluffs, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Kalona, IA
Vasilij Zajcev
Trip Overview
Council Bluffs, IA to Kalona, IA is 247.2 miles and takes about 4h 44m via I 80, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Iowa, traversing the Midwest's rolling terrain. It's a straightforward drive primarily on the interstate, making it a practical choice for a single-day trip. You'll find the majority of the travel is on well-maintained highway, which simplifies navigation and keeps the pace brisk. Consider this trip if you need an efficient way to get from western to eastern Iowa.
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
123.6 miles from Council Bluffs, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 18m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 221.6 mi | 3h 59m |
| Black Hawk Avenue Southwest | 5.8 mi | 10m |
| West Kanesville Boulevard | 4.2 mi | 7m |
| Highway 1 Southwest | 4 mi | 5m |
| Black Diamond Road Southwest | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest | 2.8 mi | 5m |
| 500th Street Southwest | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| State Highway 1 | 1.1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 221.6 mi, about 3h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs, IA and Kalona, 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 left at fork onto I 80
93 mi
·
1 hr 40 min
·
I 80
Use the slight left lane.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward CR W38: Oxford, Kalona Village Museum
9
Turn left onto CR W38
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
10
Keep slight right at fork onto CR W38
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Black Hawk Avenue Southwest
11
At end of road, turn left onto CR F52; CR W38
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Black Diamond Road Southwest
12
Turn right onto Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest
2.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest
13
At end of road, turn left onto CR F62
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
500th Street Southwest
14
Turn right onto IA 1
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Highway 1 Southwest
15
Continue on IA 1
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 1
16
Continue on IA 1
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
·
1st Street
17
Turn left onto IA 22
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
·
East Avenue
18
Turn right onto 5th Street
0.2 mi
·
49 sec
·
5th Street
19
Turn left onto B Avenue
36 ft
·
1 sec
·
B Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
B Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour and 44-minute drive, leaving Council Bluffs in the morning will give you ample time to reach Kalona before evening. The route's minimal need for stops means you can be flexible; however, with 221.6 miles on I 80 before you hit surface roads, planning for a fuel and rest break around the halfway point of that stretch is a good idea. The estimated fuel cost is $39, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before departing. Since it's a single-day trip, you can adjust your departure time based on your schedule.
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 123.6 miles from Council Bluffs, IA, or about 2h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 221.6 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 54 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.6 miles or 2h 18m 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kalona, 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 247.2 miles and 4h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 221.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
124 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 123.6 miles from Council Bluffs, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 221.6 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.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Flying J - Avoca
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.7 mi from route
Casey's Truck Stop
1.8 mi from route
Sapp Brothers Travel Center
1.9 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
1.9 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 119.2 and 239.1 — 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...
6
133.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 29m in
|
I 80
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
5
227 mi into trip
|
~4h 10m in
Take the exit toward CR W38: Oxford, Kalona Village Museum
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward CR W38: Oxford, Kalona Village Museum
5
233 mi into trip
|
~4h 21m in
|
CR F52; CR W38 / Black Diamond Road Southwest
At end of road, turn left onto CR F52; CR W38 / Black Diamond Road Southwest
Navigation decision point
5
239.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 32m in
|
CR F62 / 500th Street Southwest
At end of road, turn left onto CR F62 / 500th Street Southwest
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.65 one way
$77.29 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
87 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $42.43 | $84.87 |
| premium | $4.89 | $47.57 | $95.14 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $54.58 | $109.16 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.20
Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest
(2.8 mi)
$0.20
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.5 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 | 74.2 | 0 | $25.96 | $11.87 |
| Efficient EV | 61.8 | 0 | $21.63 | $9.89 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 98.9 | 1 | $34.61 | $15.82 |
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 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.
Origin
Council Bluffs, IA
Late night in Council Bluffs on Sunday
Local time
5:20 AM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Kalona, IA
Late night in Kalona on Sunday
Local time
5:20 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°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
4 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
4h 44m 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 93% highway, meaning you'll spend most of your time on I 80, covering a continuous stretch of 221.6 miles on this interstate. The transition to surface roads occurs later in the trip, with Black Hawk Avenue Southwest and West Kanesville Boulevard marking the beginning of that phase. Expect a predominantly rural cruising experience with plenty of open road on the interstate segment.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 221.6 mi on I 80.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and Black Hawk Avenue Southwest. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 119.2 miles in near I 80.
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 247.2 miles you will encounter 14 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 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 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 227 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
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 Kalona, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City, Cr W38: Oxford and Kalona Village Museum.
Minneapolis
119.2 mi in
|
~2h 13m
|
via I 80
Kansas City
119.2 mi in
|
~2h 13m
|
via I 80
Cr W38: Oxford
227 mi in
|
~4h 10m
Kalona Village Museum
227 mi in
|
~4h 10m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 44m. Total distance: 247.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 221.6 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.20 in tolls one way, starting with Orval Yoder Turnpike Southwest. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 26 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.
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 Kalona, 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. There are 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 133.6 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 227 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Kalona, 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
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Kalona, IA
More trips to Kalona, IA
Explore more options from Council Bluffs, IA or browse trips ending in Kalona, IA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.