How far is Bayard, NE from Kearney, NE?
The driving distance from Bayard, NE to Kearney, NE is about 251.8 miles (405.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 232.2 miles (373.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 47m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
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 03h 53m.
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 Bayard and Kearney.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bayard and Kearney.
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1
Start on Main Street
2.7 mi · 4 min · Main Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto US Highway 26
12.5 mi · 15 min · US Highway 26
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3
Turn left onto Main Street
1 mi · 2 min · Main Street
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4
Continue straight
84 mi · 1 hr 39 min
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5
Turn right onto North Spruce Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · North Spruce Street
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6
Turn left
93 m · 8 sec
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7
Turn right onto South Highway 26/61
1.4 km · 1 min · South Highway 26/61
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8
Turn left onto I 80 east
2067 ft · 52 sec
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9
Merge slight left
145.2 mi · 2 hr 25 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward NE 44: Kearney, Archway Monument
1865 ft · 34 sec
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11
Turn left onto South 2nd Avenue
2.2 mi · 5 min · South 2nd Avenue
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12
Turn right onto West 24th Street
730 ft · 37 sec · West 24th Street
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13
Turn left onto Central Avenue
16 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bayard and Kearney.
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 east
Merge slight left
145 mi · 02h 25m
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.
Sunny leaving Bayard and Sunny near Kearney.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bayard to Kearney?
The road trip is about 251.8 miles (405.3 km) and usually takes 03h 53m 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 125.8 miles from Bayard and 126 miles from Kearney.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 232.2 miles (373.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.6 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 MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:12 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $33.52 one way or $67.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 79 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Bayard and Kearney, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Bayard and Sunny near Kearney.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bayard and Kearney. Straight-line distance: 232.19 mi (373.67 km).
#1 Bayard
City in Nebraska, USA
| Population | 1,081 |
| Coordinates | 41.7549700, -103.3241000 |
| Altitude | 1145 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Kearney
City in and county seat of Buffalo County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 34,235 |
| Coordinates | 40.6994600, -99.0814800 |
| Altitude | 656 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central Avenue (-99.081657, 40.699462)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 405 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $33.52 | $67.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $37.81 | $75.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $41.37 | $82.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $47.15 | $94.31 |
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 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.