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. We recommend you stay at least 2 days in order to fully appreciate everything Council Bluffs has to offer.

Where to Eat in Council Bluffs

If you’re looking for affordable options, 712 Eat + Drink (1851 Madison Ave) and 360 Steakhouse - Harrah's Council Bluffs (1 Harrah's Blvd) are great picks.

Most popular restaurants in Council Bluffs

American
Very good (154 reviews)
Steakhouse
Wonderful (85 reviews)
American
Very good (154 reviews)
Steakhouse
Wonderful (85 reviews)

When to visit Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs in November
Estimated hotel price
$92
1 night at 3-star hotel
Council Bluffs in November
Estimated hotel price
$92
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 5 km 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 Austin and takes around 2h 05m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Council Bluffs. The train journey from Council Bluffs to Denver takes 8h 49m and costs around $57 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $65 for a 8h 55m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Council Bluffs is to pick up a car rental from Kansas City, which is about 267 km from Council Bluffs. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Dollar, among others, in Kansas City.

Bus

Bus operates bus routes to Council Bluffs.

Plane

When flying to Council Bluffs, you’ll arrive at Omaha Eppley Airfield Airport (OMA), which is located 5 km 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 Austin and takes around 2h 05m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Council Bluffs. The train journey from Council Bluffs to Denver takes 8h 49m and costs around $57 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $65 for a 8h 55m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Council Bluffs is to pick up a car rental from Kansas City, which is about 267 km from Council Bluffs. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Dollar, among others, in Kansas City.

Bus

Bus operates bus routes to Council Bluffs.

Airports near Council Bluffs

Airlines serving Council Bluffs

Lufthansa
Good (4,490 reviews)
KLM
Good (824 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,284 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,612 reviews)
Air France
Good (972 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,534 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,846 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,112 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,469 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,456 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (801 reviews)
Finnair
Good (895 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (5,273 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (763 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,319 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (437 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (754 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (843 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (776 reviews)
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Where to stay in popular areas of Council Bluffs

Most booked hotels in Council Bluffs

Kimpton Cottonwood
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 253 reviews)
$155+
Bridgepointe Inn & Suites
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1048 reviews)
$89+
Hotel Deco
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 348 reviews)
$164+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 1446 reviews)
$104+
Even Hotel Omaha Downtown - Old Market, An IHG Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 835 reviews)
$100+
DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Southwest
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 783 reviews)
$114+

Renting a car in Council Bluffs

Renting a car in Council Bluffs costs $55 per day, on average, or $109 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 5% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $3.67 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 $44.06 and $58.75. 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, 68% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Council Bluffs costs $55 per day, on average, or $109 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 5% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $3.67 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 $44.06 and $58.75. 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, 68% 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