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 November
Estimated hotel price
$90
1 night at 3-star hotel
Council Bluffs in November
Estimated hotel price
$90
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 Southwest, American Airlines and Delta. 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 $56 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $64 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 267 km from Council Bluffs. You’ll find branches of Payless and Turo, among others, in Kansas City.

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 Southwest, American Airlines and Delta. 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 $56 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $64 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 267 km from Council Bluffs. You’ll find branches of Payless and Turo, among others, in Kansas City.

Airports near Council Bluffs

OMAOmaha Eppley Airfield
SUXSioux City Sioux Gateway
LNKLincoln

Airlines serving Council Bluffs

KLM
Good (1,430 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,628 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,006 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,574 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,092 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,682 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,051 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,440 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,506 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,524 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,606 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,336 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,448 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,081 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,891 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,023 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,655 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,186 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,637 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,394 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Council Bluffs

Where to stay in Council Bluffs

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Omaha East/Council Bluffs, IA and Countryside Inn & Suites.

Where to stay in popular areas of Council Bluffs

Most booked hotels in Council Bluffs

See all
Kimpton Cottonwood By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 207 reviews)
$117+
View
Magnolia Hotel Omaha
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 591 reviews)
$82+
View
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1871 reviews)
$78+
View
Holiday Inn & Suites Council Bluffs-I-29 By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1468 reviews)
$62+
View
Hotel Deco
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 523 reviews)
$94+
View
DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Southwest
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 786 reviews)
$81+
View

Renting a car in Council Bluffs

Renting a car in Council Bluffs costs $47 per day, on average, or $93 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 19% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $3.33 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 $39.97 and $53.30. 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, 50% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Council Bluffs costs $47 per day, on average, or $93 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 19% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $3.33 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 $39.97 and $53.30. 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, 50% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Car rental agencies in Council Bluffs

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
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