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 5 km 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 Las Vegas and takes around 2h 35m.

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 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 5 km 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 Las Vegas and takes around 2h 35m.

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 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 (8,177 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,556 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,156 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,506 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,263 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,640 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,740 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,102 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,649 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,941 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,461 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,426 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,794 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,977 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,472 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,693 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,294 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (2,706 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,897 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,221 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

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Hotel Deco Omaha, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 578 reviews)
$122+
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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1894 reviews)
$85+
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Holiday Inn & Suites Council Bluffs-I-29 By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1479 reviews)
$111+
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Magnolia Hotel Omaha
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 608 reviews)
$104+
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Even Hotel Omaha Downtown - Old Market By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1231 reviews)
$106+
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DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Southwest
4 stars
Excellent (8, 807 reviews)
$97+
View

Renting a car in Council Bluffs

Renting a car in Council Bluffs costs $51 per day, on average, or $102 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 44% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86. 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 Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 50% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Council Bluffs costs $51 per day, on average, or $102 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 44% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86. 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 Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 50% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Council Bluffs

Minivan

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$84/day

Minivan

Full-size SUV

5 Adults, 2 Bags

$117/day

Full-size SUV
Find car rentals in Council Bluffs