Transportation Advantages
Located at the hub of two of America's most traveled thoroughfares, Interstates 29 and 80, (jumps down to Travel Time Map in this section) the Greater Council Bluffs Region provides overnight access to all Midwest major metropolitan markets. This excellent Interstate access is complemented by the convergence in Council Bluffs of four U.S. and six state highways. Situated in the middle of an eight-state market with more than 925,000 businesses and 35 million people, our central U.S. location provides a logistical advantage for serving markets all across the country.
Motor Freight Services
Nearly 100 motor freight carriers serve the metropolitan area surrounding Council Bluffs with fixed routes and scheduled service. Because of the strategic location within the central United States and the large number of carriers found here, shippers can take advantage of the multiple services provided.
Freight Delivery Days >>
Rail Services
The Greater Council Bluffs Region is a major railroad hub with daily switching and piggyback service provided by Union Pacific, Burlington Northern Santa-Fe, Canadian National and Iowa Interstate.
Rail Delivery Days >>
Air Transportation
The Greater Council Bluffs Region is fortunate to have air service available through Eppley Airfield located just across the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska. Eppley Airfield is serviced by more than 10 airlines with more than 100 daily flights. Close proximity to Eppley Airfield allows the business traveler to be at the airport in less than 15 minutes from any location in Council Bluffs and within 30 minutes from anywhere in the region. Non-stop service is offered to 20 cities, including Chicago, Dallas, Denver, New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
The Council Bluffs Municipal Airport is located approximately two miles east of Council Bluffs and includes a 5,500-foot, hard-surface runway capable of handling corporate aircraft. A new terminal is scheduled for completion in Spring 2009. This expansion will also include meeting rooms and a pilots lounge.
Bus Service
The Council Bluffs-Omaha area is served by Metropolitan Area Transit (MAT). MAT operates a fleet of 165 buses, with regular line service throughout the area.
Barge Service
Located on the Missouri River, the Greater Council Bluffs Region has a viable means of transporting goods and services via water, and the metro is served by two barge lines. The Missouri River is an important part of the approximate 25,000 miles of navigable, inland waterways. The river is navigable for approximately 8 months of the year (April to November) at a depth of 8 feet. The Southwest Iowa Industrial Park is situated on the deep channel side of the river and could provide barge access for companies looking to transport bulk commodities or products.
Travel Times to Major Metropolitan Areas |
 |
City |
Distance |
Days by Truck |
Days by Rail |
| Atlanta |
1,010 |
3 |
3 |
| Chicago |
479 |
1 |
1 |
| Denver |
540 |
1 |
1 |
| Des Moines |
130 |
1 |
1 |
| Kansas City |
187 |
1 |
1 |
| Los Angeles |
1,569 |
3 |
2 |
| Milwaukee |
500 |
1 |
1 |
| Minneapolis |
378 |
1 |
2 |
| New Orleans |
1,026 |
3 |
3 |
| New York |
1,252 |
3 |
3 |
| St. Louis |
448 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
