Runza Restaurant
Near the end, right off the route
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm
+17123228935
Visit websiteCompiled 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
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Nashua, IA
Andhika Indra Pratama
Council Bluffs, IA
Wikimedia Commons
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 .
| 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 |
Step-by-step road directions between Nashua, IA and Council Bluffs, IA.
Start on Main Street
Turn left onto IA 346
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 218; IA 27
Take the exit
Turn right onto IA 188
Turn left onto IA 188
Continue on IA 188
Continue on State Highway 188
At end of road, turn right onto IA 3
Continue on IA 3; IA 14
Continue on IA 3
Continue on IA 3
Continue on IA 3
Continue on IA 3
Continue on IA 3
Continue on IA 3
Continue on IA 3
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 35
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
Take the exit
Turn straight onto IA 906
Continue on IA 906
Continue on IA 906
Continue on West Broadway
Arrive at destination
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.
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.
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.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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.
A short stop after about 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
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 checkTop 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.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Near the end, right off the route
Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm
+17123228935
Early Bird West Des Moines
West Des Moines, Iowa
It's My Jam Cafe
Ankeny, Iowa
Top Coffee Stop
Casey, Iowa
Later in the drive, short detour
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+16417462735
Hyper Energy Bar
West Des Moines, Iowa
Playgrounds Cafe
Waukee, Iowa
Near the end, right off the route
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm
+17123228935
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
West Des Moines, Iowa
Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm
+15155282212
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Ankeny, Iowa
Hours: 6 am–2 pm
+15158955526
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Clive, Iowa
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+15152261729
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Waukee, Iowa
Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm
+15154109494
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Ankeny, Iowa
Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm
+15159647374
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
West Des Moines, Iowa
Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm
+15153481054
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Clive, Iowa
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+15155133330
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Casey, Iowa
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+16417462735
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
West Des Moines, Iowa
Hours: 6 am–7 pm
+15156446155
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Waukee, Iowa
Hours: 7 am–1 pm
+15156446331
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Waukee, Iowa
Hours: 6 am–7 pm
+15152078041
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
West Des Moines, Iowa
Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm
+13193210534
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Omaha, Nebraska
Hours: Closed
+14022845019
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Urbandale, Iowa
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Clive, Iowa
Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
+15155090915
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Ames, Iowa
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Ames, Iowa
+18668167584
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Ames, Iowa
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Avoca, Iowa
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18006360986
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Omaha, Nebraska
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Clive, Iowa
Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm
+15152239605
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Omaha, Nebraska
Hours: 5 am–11 pm
+14025996565
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Omaha, Nebraska
Hours: 5 am–11 pm
+14025996565
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Omaha, Nebraska
Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
+14026611804
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Omaha, Nebraska
Hours: 10 am–1:30 pm
+14023464445
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Omaha, Nebraska
Hours: 2–10 pm
+14028857557
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Hours: 4 am–10:30 pm
+17123660220
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Ames, Iowa
Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm
+15152324032
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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.
Take the ramp toward Hampton, Clarion
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Merge onto I 35
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
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
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Omaha
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
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
Regular Gas
$42.41 one way
$84.83 round trip
| 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Nashua on Saturday
Local time
9:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Destination
Night in Council Bluffs on Saturday
Local time
9:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
34°F
Clear
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Clarion
Davenport
Omaha Nebraska
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.
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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