Council Bluffs travel guide

Council Bluffs Tourism | Council Bluffs Guide

You're Going to Love Council Bluffs

With a population of 62,230, Council Bluffs is a must-see destination in Iowa, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Council Bluffs deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Council Bluffs

If you’re looking for affordable options, 712 Eat + Drink (1851 Madison Ave) and Dixie Quicks (157 W Broadway) are great picks.

When to visit Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs in November
Estimated hotel price
$97
1 night at 3-star hotel
Council Bluffs in November
Estimated hotel price
$97
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Council Bluffs

Plane

When flying to Council Bluffs, you’ll arrive at Omaha Eppley Airfield Airport (OMA), which is located 3 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Council Bluffs include American Airlines, Delta and WestJet. The shortest domestic flight to Council Bluffs departs from Denver and takes around 1h 25m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Council Bluffs. The train journey from Council Bluffs to Denver takes 8h 55m and costs around $52 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $49 for a 9h 09m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Council Bluffs is to pick up a car rental from Kansas City, which is about 166 miles from Council Bluffs. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Avis, among others, in Kansas City.

Plane

When flying to Council Bluffs, you’ll arrive at Omaha Eppley Airfield Airport (OMA), which is located 3 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Council Bluffs include American Airlines, Delta and WestJet. The shortest domestic flight to Council Bluffs departs from Denver and takes around 1h 25m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Council Bluffs. The train journey from Council Bluffs to Denver takes 8h 55m and costs around $52 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $49 for a 9h 09m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Council Bluffs is to pick up a car rental from Kansas City, which is about 166 miles from Council Bluffs. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Avis, among others, in Kansas City.

Airports near Council Bluffs

Airlines serving Council Bluffs

Lufthansa
Good (7,188 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,351 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,846 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,845 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,550 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,669 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,536 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,905 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,249 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,071 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,318 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,420 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,298 reviews)
Frontier
Good (3,585 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (833 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,042 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,088 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,448 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,978 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (2,040 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Council Bluffs

Most booked hotels in Council Bluffs

Kimpton Cottonwood
4 stars
Excellent (9, 244 reviews)
$150+
Holiday Inn & Suites Council Bluffs-I-29
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1378 reviews)
$111+
Even Hotel Omaha Downtown - Old Market, An IHG Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1062 reviews)
$101+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 1942 reviews)
$93+
DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Southwest
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 750 reviews)
$113+
Hotel Deco
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 446 reviews)
$173+

Renting a car in Council Bluffs

Renting a car in Council Bluffs costs $55 per day, on average, or $111 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 31% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $3.71 per gallon in Council Bluffs (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $44.52 and $59.36. The most frequently booked car type in Council Bluffs is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Nissan Sentra or similar) are, on average, 73% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Council Bluffs costs $55 per day, on average, or $111 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 31% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $3.71 per gallon in Council Bluffs (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $44.52 and $59.36. The most frequently booked car type in Council Bluffs is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Nissan Sentra or similar) are, on average, 73% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Car rental agencies in Council Bluffs

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Find car rentals in Council Bluffs