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Trip from Nashua, 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

5h 18m

Distance

271.3 mi

437 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$42

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 5m ★
6 AM
5h 18m
8 AM
5h 45m
10 AM
5h 28m
12 PM
5h 25m
3 PM
5h 29m
5 PM
5h 44m
8 PM
5h 10m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Nashua, IA, IA

Nashua, IA

Andhika Indra Pratama

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

Council Bluffs, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Nashua, IA to Council Bluffs, IA is 271.3 miles and takes about 5h 18m via I 80, I 35, and State Highway 3, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within the Midwest, taking you across Iowa on a predominantly highway-focused drive. It's a manageable one-day journey, perfect if you're looking to cover ground efficiently between these two points. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, so expect a straightforward drive.

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

135.6 miles from Nashua, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 47m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 114.6 mi 2h 3m
I 35 92.1 mi 1h 40m
State Highway 3 18.2 mi 25m
210th Street 15.7 mi 21m
Avenue of the Saints 6.6 mi 7m
140th Street 6.4 mi 9m
Spring Avenue 4 mi 5m
East Kanesville Boulevard 3.7 mi 6m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 114.6 mi, about 2h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Main Street

0.1 mi · 32 sec · Main Street
2

Turn left onto IA 346

0.9 mi · 1 min · Sample Street
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 49 sec
4

Merge onto US 218; IA 27

6.6 mi · 7 min · Avenue of the Saints
5

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
6

Turn right onto IA 188

6.4 mi · 9 min · 140th Street
7

Turn left onto IA 188

4.0 mi · 5 min · Spring Avenue
8

Continue on IA 188

1.5 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
9

Continue on State Highway 188

1.8 mi · 2 min · State Highway 188
10

At end of road, turn right onto IA 3

6.5 mi · 8 min · 210th Street
11

Continue on IA 3; IA 14

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
12

Continue on IA 3

7.4 mi · 10 min · 210th Street
13

Continue on IA 3

1.7 mi · 2 min · South Street
14

Continue on IA 3

1.8 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
15

Continue on IA 3

8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 3
16

Continue on IA 3

2.1 mi · 4 min · Central Avenue East
17

Continue on IA 3

9.0 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
18

Continue on IA 3

517 ft · 13 sec · Balsam Avenue
19

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward Hampton, Clarion
20

Merge onto I 35

78 mi · 1 hr 24 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

14 mi · 16 min · I 35
Toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

96 mi · 1 hr 42 min · I 80
Toward I 80 West: Omaha Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

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

Take the exit

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

Turn straight onto IA 906

2.8 mi · 4 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
26

Continue on IA 906

0.1 mi · 20 sec · East Broadway
27

Continue on IA 906

0.9 mi · 2 min · East Kanesville Boulevard
28

Continue on West Broadway

0.4 mi · 50 sec · West Broadway
29

Arrive at destination

West Broadway

Trip Plan

With a 5h 18m estimated drive time, this trip is easily doable in a single day, so consider leaving Nashua in the morning to arrive in Council Bluffs with plenty of afternoon daylight. The longest stretch without a major turn is over 114 miles on I 80, so plan your fuel stops accordingly before you embark on that segment. While the route is primarily interstate, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is wise, especially as you approach the longer highway stretches. The $42 fuel cost estimate is a good baseline for budgeting your travel expenses.

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 135.6 miles from Nashua, IA, or about 2h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 114.6 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 60 miles or 1h 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 135.6 miles or 2h 47m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 22m

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 Nashua, 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 Nashua, IA

This is one driving day of about 271.3 miles and 5h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Nashua, 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 114.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Grimes, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Grimes, IA

136 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

Iowa Falls, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ankeny, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 135.6 miles from Nashua, 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 114.6 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.

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 271.3

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

Early Bird West Des Moines

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

1.2 mi

It's My Jam Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

1.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Casey Creamery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Casey, Iowa

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 193.8

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16417462735

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Des Moines, Iowa

2.3 mi

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Waukee, Iowa

2.2 mi

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 271.3

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

Early Bird West Des Moines

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 155

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+15155282212

Visit website

It's My Jam Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 135.6

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15158955526

Visit website

Club Car Restaurant & Lounge- Clive

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 155

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152261729

Visit website

Desi Fresh Indian Restaurant & Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 155

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15154109494

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 135.6

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery - Indian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 155

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15153481054

Visit website

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 155

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15155133330

Visit website

Casey Creamery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 193.8

Casey, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+16417462735

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 155

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15156446155

Visit website

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 155

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+15156446331

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 155

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15152078041

Visit website

Vintage Road Coffee Co. - MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 155

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13193210534

Visit website

Café Postale

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 271.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Closed

+14022845019

Visit website

Life Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 155

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

SweetDude Coffee & Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 155

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+15155090915

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 271.3

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 271.3

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 116.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 116.3

Ames, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 271.3

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 116.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 232.5

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 271.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Z'Mariks Noodle Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 155

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152239605

Visit website

Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 271.3

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 271.3

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 271.3

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 271.3

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 271.3

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 271.3

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 4 am–10:30 pm

+17123660220

Visit website

Discover Ames

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 116.3

Ames, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15152324032

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 59.8 and 247.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
59.8 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in

Take the ramp toward Hampton, Clarion

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Hampton, Clarion
5
60.1 mi into trip | ~1h 25m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
137.8 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in | I 35

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35 toward I 35 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Davenport

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 South, I 80: Kansas City, Council B...
7
152.1 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Omaha

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 80 West: Omaha
6
247.6 mi into trip | ~4h 49m 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...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$42.41 one way

$84.83 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 95 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $46.57 $93.14
premium $4.89 $52.21 $104.42
diesel $5.61 $59.90 $119.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$42

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$67–$92

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 94.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 81.4 1 $28.49 $13.02
Efficient EV 67.8 0 $23.74 $10.85
EV Truck/SUV 108.5 1 $37.98 $17.36

Gas CO2

95 kg

EV CO2

32 kg (66% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Nashua, IA

Night in Nashua on Saturday

Local time

9:51 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Council Bluffs, IA

Night in Council Bluffs on Saturday

Local time

9:51 PM

CDT

Current temp

34°F

Clear

NW 9 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:33AM CDT until April 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Omaha/Valley NE

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 17 at 10:38PM CDT until April 24 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

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

36 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

5h 18m 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 route is heavily highway-focused, with 84% of the drive utilizing major interstates. You'll experience an 114.6-mile stretch primarily on I 80, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of the journey. The character is largely that of a direct interstate transit, meaning you'll be on well-maintained, high-speed roads for most of the 5h 18m duration. While the majority is interstate, expect transitions between I 80, I 35, and State Highway 3 as you make your way across the state.

84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 114.6 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 59.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 271.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 59.8 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 60.1 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 137.8 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 Nashua, IA and Council Bluffs, IA, road signs point toward Hampton, Clarion, Davenport and Omaha Nebraska.

Hampton

59.8 mi in | ~1h 24m

Clarion

59.8 mi in | ~1h 24m

Davenport

137.8 mi in | ~2h 49m | via I 35

Omaha Nebraska

247.6 mi in | ~4h 49m | via I 80

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 18m. Total distance: 271.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 114.6 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 Council Bluffs, 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 59.8 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 60.1 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 137.8 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Council Bluffs, IA before the return drive.

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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