How far is Alma, NE from Scottsbluff, NE?
The driving distance from Alma, NE to Scottsbluff, NE is about 294.9 miles (474.6 km), with a travel time of about 04h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 255.6 miles (411.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 24m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 04h 42m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Keith County, Nebraska, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alma and Scottsbluff.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alma and Scottsbluff.
-
1
Start on John Street
2269 ft · 1 min · John Street
-
2
Turn left onto West 7th Street
1869 ft · 32 sec · West 7th Street
-
3
Take the ramp slight right
75 m · 7 sec
-
4
Turn slight right
21.8 mi · 25 min
-
5
Turn straight onto Highway 281
1.4 km · 58 sec · Highway 281
-
6
Continue on South Burlington Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · South Burlington Street
-
7
Continue on US Highway 183
13.9 mi · 16 min · US Highway 183
-
8
Continue on Highway 183
1.8 mi · 2 min · Highway 183
-
9
Take the ramp left toward I 80 west
2131 ft · 52 sec
-
10
Merge slight left
129.7 mi · 2 hr 10 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward US 26, NE 61: Ogallala, Grant
1578 ft · 40 sec
-
12
Turn right onto South Highway 26/61
1.1 km · 1 min · South Highway 26/61
-
13
Continue on East A Street
2278 ft · 50 sec · East A Street
-
14
At the end of the road, turn left onto East 8th Street
101 m · 10 sec · East 8th Street
-
15
Turn right onto North Spruce Street
2.2 mi · 4 min · North Spruce Street
-
16
Turn left onto Highway 26 West
24.2 mi · 28 min · Highway 26 West
-
17
Continue straight
59.8 mi · 1 hr 11 min
-
18
Turn left
1 mi · 2 min
-
19
Turn right
23.6 mi · 28 min
-
20
Turn right onto Highway L79E
2.1 mi · 3 min · Highway L79E
-
21
Turn left onto Highway 26
7.5 mi · 9 min · Highway 26
-
22
Turn left onto East 20th Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · East 20th Street
-
23
Continue on West 20th Street
1191 ft · 40 sec · West 20th Street
-
24
Turn right onto Avenue C
17 m · 2 sec · Avenue C
-
25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Avenue C
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alma and Scottsbluff.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 west
Merge slight left
130 mi · 02h 10m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Alma and Sunny near Scottsbluff.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alma to Scottsbluff?
The road trip is about 294.9 miles (474.6 km) and usually takes 04h 42m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Paxton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 147.3 miles from Alma and 147.6 miles from Scottsbluff.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 255.6 miles (411.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $39.26 one way or $78.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 92.5 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Alma and Scottsbluff, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Alma and Sunny near Scottsbluff.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alma and Scottsbluff. Straight-line distance: 255.62 mi (411.38 km).
#1 Alma
City in Nebraska, USA
| Population | 1,116 |
| Coordinates | 40.0975100, -99.3620400 |
| Altitude | 602 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Scottsbluff
City in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 14,373 |
| Coordinates | 41.8666300, -103.6671700 |
| Altitude | 1186 |
| Country | United States |
End: Avenue C (-103.667064, 41.86663)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 475 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $39.26 | $78.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $44.27 | $88.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $48.45 | $96.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $55.21 | $110.43 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Nebraska · May 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.