$29 Cheap Flights to Council Bluffs, IA

Flights to Council Bluffs at a glance

Traveling to Council Bluffs is easy; simply choose between full-service and budget airlines. Compare flight durations and select the best option that aligns with your budget, travel plans, and desire to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Council Bluffs: Eppley Field Airport (OMA), Lincoln Airport (LNK)
• Closest airport to Council Bluffs: Eppley Field Airport, OMA (around 3 miles)
• Flights per week: 2,750+ flights arriving across Council Bluffs airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Council Bluffs: around 25+ carriers

Popular airports near Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs is a charming city ideal for family vacations, outdoor adventures, and romantic getaways. Visitors are drawn to its rich culture, vibrant city life, and sports activities. Conveniently, two major airports serve the area, making it easy to find domestic flights to Council Bluffs.

• Eppley Field Airport (OMA): Situated in Douglas County, Nebraska, approximately 3 miles from Council Bluffs, this airport operates both domestic and international flights, linking travelers to more than 185 U.S. cities and over 60 global destinations. Passengers have the option to enhance their travel experience by upgrading to first class, premium economy, or business class seating based on the specific airline and route. Major airlines at this airport include American Airlines, United, and Southwest Airlines.
• Lincoln Airport (LNK): Found in Lancaster County, Nebraska, about 55 miles from Council Bluffs, Lincoln Airport primarily serves domestic routes, connecting to around 65 cities nationwide. Travelers can opt for first-class seating for a more comfortable journey, depending on the airline and flight. The airport is primarily serviced by popular carriers such as United and Breeze.

Top routes to Council Bluffs

• Denver (DEN) to Council Bluffs (LNK/OMA), with one-way flights starting at around $40
• Phoenix (PHX) to Council Bluffs (LNK/OMA), with one-way tickets available from around $85
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Council Bluffs (LNK/OMA), with one-way flights starting at around $120
• Seattle (SEA) to Council Bluffs (LNK/OMA), with one-way flight options from around $95
• Orlando (MCO) to Council Bluffs (LNK/OMA), with one-way fares starting at around $75

Cheapest routes to Council Bluffs

• Denver (DEN) to Council Bluffs (LNK/OMA), with cheap one-way fares from around $40
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Council Bluffs (LNK/OMA), with low one-way fares from around $70
• Atlanta (ATL) to Council Bluffs (LNK/OMA), with low one-way fares from around $70
• Orlando (MCO) to Council Bluffs (LNK/OMA), with affordable one-way prices from around $75
• Orange County (SNA) to Council Bluffs (LNK/OMA), with affordable one-way prices from around $80

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Council Bluffs

• United: Offers flights to Lincoln Airport (LNK) and Eppley Field Airport (OMA), representing about 30% of the incoming traffic to Council Bluffs. The average one-way fare is roughly $270, with premium cabin service potentially including first class, depending on the route.
• American Airlines: Connects to Eppley Field Airport (OMA) and accounts for approximately 27% of arrivals in Council Bluffs. One-way fares are around $280, with premium cabin options that may include first class depending on the specific route.
• Southwest Airlines: Flies into Eppley Field Airport (OMA) and provides about 20% of the arrivals to Council Bluffs. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of about $250.
• Delta: Serves Eppley Field Airport (OMA), contributing roughly 18% of the arrivals to Council Bluffs. The average one-way fare is approximately $300, with premium cabin choices that might include premium economy or first class based on the route.
• Frontier Airlines: Primarily flies to Eppley Field Airport (OMA), making up around 4% of the arrivals in Council Bluffs. Average one-way fares are relatively low, sitting at about $150.

Best time to fly to Council Bluffs

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Council Bluffs are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Council Bluffs can reach up to 51.4°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 68.2°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $229), roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October, August, and July offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $233 to $244, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Council Bluffs

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Council Bluffs is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Council Bluffs hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Council Bluffs flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Council Bluffs efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Eppley Field Airport, Omaha Station, a train station, is conveniently located about 4.5 miles away by car, making it easily accessible for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Council Bluffs, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Council Bluffs is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Council Bluffs on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Council Bluffs

• Omaha: Omaha is a vibrant metropolis located 4 miles drive away from Council Bluffs. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor activities, this city offers a dynamic blend of urban experiences. Visitors can enjoy various attractions, including the CHI Health Center Omaha, a premier arena for events, and the Omaha Children's Museum, perfect for a cultural family outing. Sports aficionados can catch a game at the local stadium, while those seeking intellectual enrichment might explore the historic Creighton University.
• Crescent: Crescent is a charming city located 7 miles drive away from Council Bluffs, ideal for travelers looking to embrace the outdoors and enjoy scenic beauty. With its picturesque lakes and parks, Crescent provides a perfect backdrop for family activities and relaxation. Highlights include the Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook, which offers stunning views and a glimpse into local history. Additionally, the CHI Health Center Omaha is nearby for entertainment, and educational opportunities abound at local facilities.
• East Omaha: East Omaha, located 3 miles drive away from Council Bluffs, is a lively neighborhood that combines family-friendly activities with urban exploration. Visitors can partake in various recreational opportunities, including events at the CHI Health Center Omaha. The area features notable landmarks such as stadiums and convention centers that cater to diverse interests. Families can also visit the historic Creighton University, while the Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook offers a cultural touch amidst the urban landscape.

Tips for short-haul flights to Council Bluffs

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and efficiently planning your outfits. This also means you can avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Be sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money during your time at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Council Bluffs

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in starts, typically 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines even permit seat selection earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to get to the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, find a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to correspond with your destination's time zone. Try to either sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Council Bluffs

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Council Bluffs on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

September is the cheapest month to fly to Council Bluffs. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Council Bluffs. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Council Bluffs, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Council Bluffs

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Council Bluffs in 2026 starts from $58, while one-way tickets start from from $29. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Council Bluffs. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Council Bluffs

Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta, Alaska Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Council Bluffs. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Council Bluffs and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Council Bluffs, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Council Bluffs. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Council Bluffs plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Council Bluffs

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Council Bluffs.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Council Bluffs are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Council Bluffs. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Council Bluffs for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Council Bluffs. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Council Bluffs flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Council Bluffs. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.