Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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, 360 Steakhouse - Harrah's Council Bluffs (1 Harrah's Blvd) and Jack Binion's Steak House - Horseshoe Council Bluffs (2701 23rd Avenue) are great picks.

When to visit Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs in December
Estimated hotel price
$88
1 night at 3-star hotel
Council Bluffs in December
Estimated hotel price
$88
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 Delta, American Airlines and Southwest. 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 $122 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $167 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 Turo and Thrifty, 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 Delta, American Airlines and Southwest. 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 $122 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $167 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 Turo and Thrifty, among others, in Kansas City.

Airports near Council Bluffs

OMAOmaha Eppley Airfield
SUXSioux City Sioux Gateway
LNKLincoln

Airlines serving Council Bluffs

Lufthansa
Good (7,994 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,517 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,976 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,450 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,215 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,587 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,706 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,571 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,728 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,775 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,028 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,393 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,358 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (2,952 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,554 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,923 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,208 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,819 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,217 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,516 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Council Bluffs

Where to stay in Council Bluffs

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Council Bluffs - Conv Ctr Area By IHG and My Place Hotel-Council Bluffs/Omaha East, Ia.

Where to stay in popular areas of Council Bluffs

Most booked hotels in Council Bluffs

See all
Hotel Deco
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 568 reviews)
$111+
View
Aloft Omaha Aksarben Village
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 270 reviews)
$113+
View
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1892 reviews)
$93+
View
Holiday Inn & Suites Council Bluffs-I-29 By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1489 reviews)
$109+
View
DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Southwest
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 793 reviews)
$97+
View
Countryside Inn & Suites Omaha East-Council Bluffs Ia
3 stars
Good (7.8, 517 reviews)
$60+
View

Renting a car in Council Bluffs

Renting a car in Council Bluffs costs $57 per day, on average, or $114 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 30% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $4.77 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 $57.24 and $76.31. The most frequently booked car type in Council Bluffs is Compact (Toyota RAV4 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Sonic Sedan or similar) are, on average, 48% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Council Bluffs costs $57 per day, on average, or $114 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 30% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $4.77 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 $57.24 and $76.31. The most frequently booked car type in Council Bluffs is Compact (Toyota RAV4 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Sonic Sedan or similar) are, on average, 48% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Council Bluffs

Standard SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$57/day

Standard SUV

Premium

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$67/day

Premium
Find car rentals in Council Bluffs