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Trip from Jefferson, 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

2h 32m

Distance

122.6 mi

197 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 23m ★
6 AM
2h 33m
8 AM
2h 53m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 38m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 52m
8 PM
2h 27m

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 in Greene County, Iowa, United States

Jefferson, IA

Wikimedia Commons

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

Council Bluffs, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 122.6-mile drive from Jefferson, IA, to Council Bluffs, IA, can be comfortably completed in about 2 hours and 32 minutes, making it an ideal one-day trip. You'll primarily navigate on I-80, with some time spent on State Highways 25 and 4. With a projected fuel cost of around $19, this route offers an economical journey through the Midwest. The overall feel is that of a straightforward highway-focused drive, perfect for getting from point A to point B efficiently.

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

61.3 miles from Jefferson, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 73.8 mi 1h 19m
State Highway 25 10.9 mi 16m
State Highway 4 10.9 mi 14m
Neola Avenue 8.5 mi 11m
State Street 6.9 mi 10m
East Kanesville Boulevard 3.7 mi 6m
County Road F65 1.6 mi 2m
South Elm Street 1.5 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 73.8 mi, about 1h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Lincolnway Street

22 ft · 4 sec · West Lincolnway Street
2

Turn right onto IA 4

1.2 mi · 2 min · South Elm Street
3

Continue on IA 4

0.7 mi · 55 sec · N Avenue
4

Continue on South Elm Street

0.4 mi · 29 sec · South Elm Street
5

Continue on IA 4

8.5 mi · 11 min · Neola Avenue
6

Continue on IA 4

1.3 mi · 1 min · State Highway 4
7

At end of road, turn left onto IA 4; IA 141

0.4 mi · 35 sec · George P. Soumas Memorial Highway
8

Keep slight right at fork onto IA 4

9.6 mi · 13 min · State Highway 4
9

Continue on IA 4

0.7 mi · 1 min · Northeast 3rd Street
10

Turn right onto IA 44

0.7 mi · 58 sec · East Main Street
11

Continue on IA 44

6.9 mi · 10 min · State Street
12

Turn left onto IA 25

0.3 mi · 30 sec · South 5th Street
13

Continue on IA 25

11 mi · 16 min · State Highway 25
14

Turn right onto County Road F65

1.6 mi · 2 min · County Road F65
15

Continue on East Sherman Street

0.3 mi · 35 sec · East Sherman Street
16

Turn left onto Antique Country Drive

0.5 mi · 56 sec · Antique Country Drive
17

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 34 sec
18

Merge onto I 80; US 6

55 mi · 58 min · I 80; US 6
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

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

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 31 sec
Toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland
21

Turn straight onto IA 906

2.8 mi · 4 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
22

Continue on IA 906

0.1 mi · 20 sec · East Broadway
23

Continue on IA 906

0.9 mi · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
24

Continue on West Broadway

0.4 mi · 50 sec · West Broadway
25

Arrive at destination

West Broadway

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of this 2-hour and 32-minute trip, you have plenty of flexibility for your departure time. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize your daylight hours upon arrival. With only one recommended stop indicated, you can easily complete this drive without needing to split it. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 73.8-mile stretch on I-80, as services might be less frequent than on local roads. A practical tip: utilize apps to check real-time traffic conditions on I-80 before you depart, as it's the primary artery for this journey.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 61.3 miles from Jefferson, IA, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.8 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 27 miles or 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61.3 miles or 1h 23m 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 5m

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 Jefferson, 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 Jefferson, IA

This is one driving day of about 122.6 miles and 2h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Jefferson, 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 73.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Atlantic, IA

61 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

Guthrie Center, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Atlantic, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 61.3 miles from Jefferson, 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 73.8 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 end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 122.6

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

The Embers Restaurant and Lounge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Avoca, Iowa

1.2 mi

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Adair, Iowa

2 mi

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 122.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

The Embers Restaurant and Lounge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.6

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+17123432419

Visit website

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 52.6

Adair, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+16417423611

Visit website

Tish's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 122.6

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 122.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17123223000

Visit website

Mercy Thai Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 122.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+17128284200

Visit website

Durham TreeTops Restaurant

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 122.6

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+14027338401

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 87.6

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 122.6

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 122.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Jefferson, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 122.6

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 96.4

Shelby, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 122.6

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 122.6

Omaha, NE

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 122.6

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 122.6

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 122.6

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 122.6

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 122.6

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 122.6

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 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 12 and 118.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
12 mi into trip | ~17m in | IA 4; IA 141 / George P. Soumas Memorial Highway

At end of road, turn left onto IA 4; IA 141 / George P. Soumas Memorial Highway

Navigation decision point

4
12.4 mi into trip | ~17m in | IA 4 / State Highway 4

Keep slight right at fork onto IA 4 / State Highway 4

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

4
22.7 mi into trip | ~32m in | IA 44 / East Main Street

Turn right onto IA 44 / East Main Street

Navigation decision point

6
99 mi into trip | ~2h 3m in | I 80

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebraska

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs, Omaha Nebrask...
5
118.1 mi into trip | ~2h 24m in

Take the exit toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland

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

Toward US 6: Council Bluffs, Oakland

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.17 one way

$38.33 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.04 $42.09
premium $4.89 $23.59 $47.19
diesel $5.61 $27.07 $54.14

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 42.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 36.8 0 $12.87 $5.88
Efficient EV 30.7 0 $10.73 $4.90
EV Truck/SUV 49 0 $17.16 $7.85

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

14 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Jefferson, IA

Late night in Jefferson on Sunday

Local time

2:36 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Council Bluffs, IA

Late night in Council Bluffs on Sunday

Local time

2:36 AM

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

19 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

2h 32m 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 experience for the majority of this trip, with 78% of the drive utilizing major roadways like I-80. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 73.8 miles on I-80, offering a consistent pace. While predominantly highway, the inclusion of State Highways 25 and 4 provides some variation in the driving experience. This route is designed for steady progress, with minimal technical driving and a consistent road profile.

78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.8 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and State Highway 25. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 12 miles in near IA 4; IA 141 / George P. Soumas Memorial Highway.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 32m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 12 miles (IA 4; IA 141 / George P. Soumas Memorial Highway): Navigation decision point; at 12.4 miles (IA 4 / State Highway 4): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 22.7 miles (IA 44 / East Main Street): Navigation decision point.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Jefferson, IA to Council Bluffs, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Omaha Nebraska along the way.

Omaha Nebraska

99 mi in | ~2h 3m | via I 80

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 32m. Total distance: 122.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (78%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 73.8 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 12 miles (IA 4; IA 141 / George P. Soumas Memorial Highway): Navigation decision point; at 12.4 miles (IA 4 / State Highway 4): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 22.7 miles (IA 44 / East Main Street): Navigation decision point.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Council Bluffs, IA before heading back.

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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