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Trip from Council Bluffs, IA to Manly, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 48m

Distance

258.7 mi

416 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$40

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

24 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 35m ★
6 AM
4h 49m
8 AM
5h 16m
10 AM
4h 58m
12 PM
4h 56m
3 PM
5h 0m
5 PM
5h 14m
8 PM
4h 41m

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 the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States

Council Bluffs, IA

Wikimedia Commons

American city in Iowa

Manly, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Council Bluffs, IA to Manly, IA covers 258.7 miles and takes about 4h 48m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 80, I 35, State Highway 9 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 128.2 miles on I 80. At current regular gas prices, budget about $40.44 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

129.3 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 24m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 128.2 mi 2h 18m
I 35 117 mi 2h 6m
State Highway 9 6.9 mi 9m
West Kanesville Boulevard 4.2 mi 7m
West Broadway 1 mi 2m
West South Street 0.5 mi 1m
South Todd Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 128.2 mi, about 2h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Council Bluffs, IA and Manly, 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 right at fork onto I 35

117 mi · 2 hr 6 min · I 35
Toward I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec
9

Turn right onto IA 9

6.9 mi · 9 min · State Highway 9
10

Continue on IA 9

0.5 mi · 1 min · West South Street
11

Turn sharp left onto South Todd Street

0.2 mi · 59 sec · South Todd Street
12

Turn right

254 ft · 18 sec
13

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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 129.3 miles from Council Bluffs, IA, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.2 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 57 miles or 1h 6m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 129.3 miles or 2h 24m 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 54m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Manly, 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 258.7 miles and 4h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 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 128.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

human settlement in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waukee, IA

129 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

Avoca, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Urbandale, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 129.3 miles from Council Bluffs, 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 128.2 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

The Embers Restaurant and Lounge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Avoca, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+17123432419

Visit website

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Council Bluffs, Iowa

0.8 mi

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Adair, Iowa

1.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 129.3

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

The Embers Restaurant and Lounge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+17123432419

Visit website

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17123228935

Visit website

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73.9

Adair, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8:30 pm

+16417423611

Visit website

Fuego Mexican restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73.9

Adair, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16417422025

Visit website

Flame The Taqueria

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 129.3

Johnston, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15157238934

Visit website

Tullpa Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 129.3

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152142327

Visit website

Tish's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17123235456

Visit website

Apple Barrel Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17123223000

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 129.3

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

Café Postale

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

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

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Closed

+14022845019

Visit website

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 110.9

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+15156446331

Visit website

The Vault

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 166.3

Gilbert, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15152321686

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 37

Avoca, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 203.3

Dows, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 110.9

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Omaha, NE

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+14025996565

Visit website

Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+14025996565

Visit website

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 129.3

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+14026611804

Visit website

The Old Market

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–1:30 pm

+14023464445

Visit website

Museum Of Shadows

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 2–10 pm

+14028857557

Visit website

Lake Manawa State Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 4 am–10:30 pm

+17123660220

Visit website

Paris Banh Mi Windsor Heights

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 129.3

Windsor Heights, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–7:30 pm

+15152778888

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 5.2 and 258.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
5.2 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the ramp

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
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...
8
133.6 mi into trip | ~2h 29m in | I 35

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35 toward I 35 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, Des Moines

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 North, I 235 South: Minneapolis, De...
5
258.4 mi into trip | ~4h 47m in | South Todd Street

Turn sharp left onto South Todd Street

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

4
258.7 mi into trip | ~4h 48m in

Turn right

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$40.44 one way

$80.89 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 91 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $44.41 $88.81
premium $4.89 $49.78 $99.57
diesel $5.61 $57.12 $114.24

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$40

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$65–$90

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 90.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

24 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Shell Recharge Charging Station

De Soto, Iowa

Shell Recharge

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Tesla

1 DCFC

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Other

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Dows, Iowa

Tesla

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Omaha, NE

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Avoca, Iowa

Shell Recharge

1 DCFC

ChargePoint: 14 Shell Recharge: 3 Other: 3 Tesla: 2 Electrify America: 1 Blink: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 77.6 0 $27.16 $12.42
Efficient EV 64.7 0 $22.64 $10.35
EV Truck/SUV 103.5 1 $36.22 $16.56

Gas CO2

91 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Council Bluffs, IA

Afternoon in Council Bluffs on Saturday

Local time

1:08 PM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Manly, IA

Afternoon in Manly on Saturday

Local time

1:08 PM

CDT

Current temp

46°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

9 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 48m 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 is a 4h 48m highway drive covering 258.7 miles, with most of the trip on I 80 and I 35. The longest continuous stretch is about 128.2 miles on I 80.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 80 is the longest continuous segment at about 128.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 35. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 258.7 miles you will encounter 8 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 5.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; 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 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 Council Bluffs, IA and Manly, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City and Des Moines.

Minneapolis

119.2 mi in | ~2h 13m | via I 80

Kansas City

119.2 mi in | ~2h 13m | via I 80

Des Moines

133.6 mi in | ~2h 29m | via I 35

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 48m. Total distance: 258.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Council Bluffs, IA to Manly, IA covers 258.7 miles and takes about 4h 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 80, I 35, State Highway 9. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 129.3 miles from Council Bluffs, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $40.44 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 258.7 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

The main spots that need attention: at 5.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; 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 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Between Council Bluffs, IA and Manly, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City and Des Moines.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Manly, IA to Council Bluffs, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

257.5 mi 4h 46m

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