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Trip from Fort Madison, 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

309.3 mi

498 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

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
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city and county seat in Lee County, Iowa, United States

Fort Madison, IA

Wikimedia Commons

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

Council Bluffs, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 309.3-mile drive from Fort Madison, IA, to Council Bluffs, IA, is a straightforward, single-day trip that will take you about 4 hours and 51 minutes to complete. You'll navigate primarily through local roads, indicated by a 0% highway share, so expect a more turn-heavy experience. With a projected fuel cost of around $47, this route is an economical option for a quick journey within the Midwest. It's designed as a one-day excursion, making it ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two Iowa points without needing an overnight stay. The local road focus means you'll be more immersed in the communities you pass through.

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

154.6 miles from Fort Madison, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Avenue I — —
Avenue H — —
20th Street — —
Avenue L — —
Highway 61 — —
Avenue O — —
Avenue of the Saints — —
IA 92 — —

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: Avenue I — detailed segment metrics are refreshing.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on the route

62 ft · 7 sec · the route
2

Turn right onto Avenue I

138 ft · 11 sec · Avenue I
3

Turn left onto Avenue H

1.0 mi · 1 min · Avenue H
4

Turn left onto 20th Street

0.2 mi · 22 sec · 20th Street
5

At the end of the road, turn right onto Avenue L

1.3 mi · 2 min · Avenue L
6

Continue on Old Highway 61

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Old Highway 61
7

Continue on Avenue O

2.1 mi · 3 min · Avenue O
8

Turn straight

8.3 mi · 11 min
9

Take the ramp right

0.4 mi · 53 sec
10

Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints

25 mi · 28 min · Avenue of the Saints
11

Keep slight right

61 mi · 1 hr 10 min
12

Continue straight

17 mi · 19 min
13

Take the exit slight right toward IA 92: Oskaloosa, Knoxville

0.4 mi · 1 min · IA 92: Oskaloosa, Knoxville
14

Turn left onto A Avenue West

32 mi · 36 min · A Avenue West
15

Turn right

0.1 mi · 7 sec
16

Continue on State Highway 5

19 mi · 22 min · State Highway 5
17

Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway

12 mi · 14 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
18

Keep slight left to continue on I-35 north: Minneapolis

0.9 mi · 1 min · I-35 north: Minneapolis
19

Merge slight left

4.3 mi · 5 min
20

Take the exit slight right toward I 80 west: Council Bluffs

0.5 mi · 1 min · I 80 west: Council Bluffs
21

Merge slight left onto John MacVicar Freeway

0.5 mi · 40 sec · John MacVicar Freeway
22

Merge slight right

95 mi · 1 hr 41 min
23

Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska

19 mi · 20 min · I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska
24

Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland

0.3 mi · 31 sec · US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland
25

Turn straight onto East Kanesville Boulevard

2.8 mi · 4 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
26

Continue on East Broadway

0.1 mi · 21 sec · East Broadway
27

Continue on East Kanesville Boulevard

0.9 mi · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
28

Continue on West Broadway

0.4 mi · 51 sec · West Broadway
29

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

Given this route's duration of just under 5 hours and its local road nature, it's perfectly suited for a single-day trip. You can leave anytime, but an early start will give you more flexibility to take your time with the numerous turns and enjoy the drive. Plan for at least one stop along the way for a break or to refuel, though the relatively short distance means you won't need extensive rest periods. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition between local streets, as the frequent turns are a defining characteristic of this specific journey. The estimated fuel cost of $47 is a good budget to keep in mind for this trip.

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 154.6 miles from Fort Madison, IA, or about 2h 25m into the drive.

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 68 miles or 1h 4m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 154.6 miles or 2h 25m 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 Fort Madison, 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 Fort Madison, IA

This is one driving day of about 309.3 miles and 4h 51m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Fort Madison, 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.

Where to Stop

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

city in and the county seat of Mahaska County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oskaloosa, IA

155 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

Ottumwa, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oskaloosa, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 154.6 miles from Fort Madison, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 309.3

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

The Backfield Bar & Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Walnut, Iowa

1.4 mi

Smokey Row Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pleasantville, Iowa

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

TMC Chrome Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 176.7

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15154758085

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 309.3

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

The Backfield Bar & Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 265.1

Walnut, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17127842700

Visit website

Smokey Row Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 154.6

Pleasantville, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15158485959

Visit website

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 220.9

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15155238000

Visit website

Tish's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 309.3

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17123235456

Visit website

Apple Barrel Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 309.3

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17123223000

Visit website

Minden Bowl Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 287.2

Minden, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+17124832512

Visit website

Mercy Thai Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 309.3

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+17128284200

Visit website

TMC Chrome Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 176.7

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15154758085

Café Postale

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 309.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Closed

+14022845019

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 309.3

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 309.3

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 309.3

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 198.8

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 309.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 220.9

Stuart, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 309.3

Omaha, NE

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 309.3

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 309.3

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 309.3

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 309.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+14026611804

Visit website

The Old Market

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 309.3

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 309.3

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 309.3

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 4 am–10:30 pm

+17123660220

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$48.36 one way

$96.71 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 108 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $53.09 $106.18
premium $4.89 $59.52 $119.04
diesel $5.61 $68.29 $136.58

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$48

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 108.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 92.8 1 $32.48 $14.85
Efficient EV 77.3 0 $27.06 $12.37
EV Truck/SUV 123.7 1 $43.30 $19.80

Gas CO2

108 kg

EV CO2

36 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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

Fort Madison, IA

Evening in Fort Madison on Saturday

Local time

8:13 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Council Bluffs, IA

Evening in Council Bluffs on Saturday

Local time

8:13 PM

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

18 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 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?

The character of this drive is best described as a turn-heavy local road experience, with a 0% highway share. This means you'll be making frequent turns and navigating through towns and communities rather than cruising on high-speed interstates. While there isn't a "longest stretch" noted, the absence of long, uninterrupted highway segments suggests a consistent pace with regular changes in scenery and speed limits. Be prepared for a more engaging driving experience that requires your attention as you transition between different local streets like Avenue I, Avenue H, and 20th Street, reflecting a true local road journey.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Main road: Avenue I.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 4h 51m drive. You will face about 0 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Fort Madison, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 51m. Total distance: 309.3 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 (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Fort Madison, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

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.

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