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, 712 Eat + Drink (1851 Madison Ave) and 360 Steakhouse - Harrah's Council Bluffs (1 Harrah's Blvd) are great picks.

When to visit Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs in November
Estimated hotel price
$84
1 night at 3-star hotel
Council Bluffs in November
Estimated hotel price
$84
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 Air Canada, Frontier and United Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Council Bluffs departs from Sarasota and takes around 3h 20m.

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 $68 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $93 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 Air Canada, Frontier and United Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Council Bluffs departs from Sarasota and takes around 3h 20m.

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 $68 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $93 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 (7,408 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,385 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,361 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,955 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,928 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,930 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,468 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,334 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,624 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,139 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,484 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,882 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,323 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,173 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (961 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,270 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,559 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,847 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,139 reviews)
Hawaiian Airlines
Good (2,723 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 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 (8.7, 199 reviews)
$160+
View
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Council Bluffs
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1834 reviews)
$100+
View
Holiday Inn & Suites Council Bluffs-I-29 By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1452 reviews)
$120+
View
Magnolia Hotel Omaha
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 569 reviews)
$98+
View
DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Southwest
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 782 reviews)
$100+
View
Even Hotel Omaha Downtown - Old Market By IHG
3 stars
Good (7.9, 1188 reviews)
$106+
View

Renting a car in Council Bluffs

Renting a car in Council Bluffs costs $63 per day, on average, or $127 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 8% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93. 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 $63 per day, on average, or $127 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 8% cheaper than airport locations in Council Bluffs.

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93. 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

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$53/day

Intermediate

Standard SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$65/day

Standard SUV
Find car rentals in Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Council Bluffs city guide for the best Council Bluffs travel tips. To help you organize your Council Bluffs trip ideas, this Council Bluffs visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.