How far is Cozad, NE from Grand Island, NE?
The driving distance from Cozad, NE to Grand Island, NE is about 100.1 miles (161.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 86.1 miles (138.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 01h 34m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
City in and county seat of Buffalo County, Nebraska, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny
Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cozad and Grand Island.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cozad and Grand Island.
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1
Start on H Street
21 m · 8 sec · H Street
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2
Turn left onto West 8th Street
1140 ft · 39 sec · West 8th Street
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3
Turn right onto E Street
132 m · 14 sec · E Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 21
1591 ft · 39 sec · State Highway 21
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5
Continue on Meridian Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · Meridian Avenue
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6
Take the ramp left toward I 80 East: Kearney
1473 ft · 36 sec
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7
Merge slight left
90.9 mi · 1 hr 31 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Island
2525 ft · 1 min
-
9
Turn left onto South Locust Street
6.6 mi · 10 min · South Locust Street
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10
Continue on South Locust Street
76 m · 4 sec · South Locust Street
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11
Continue on South Walnut Street
1796 ft · 40 sec · South Walnut Street
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12
Turn right onto West 3rd Street
122 m · 18 sec · West 3rd Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cozad and Grand Island.
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
90.9 mi · 01h 31m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny leaving Cozad and Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny near Grand Island.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cozad to Grand Island?
The road trip is about 100.1 miles (161.1 km) and usually takes 01h 34m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Kearney is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50 miles from Cozad and 50.1 miles from Grand Island.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 86.1 miles (138.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 14 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.31 one way or $26.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny around Cozad and Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny near Grand Island.
Stop Ideas Near Kearney
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Kearney.
Holdrege
Hastings
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cozad and Grand Island. Straight-line distance: 86.05 mi (138.49 km).
#1 Cozad
City in Nebraska
| Population | 3,715 |
| Coordinates | 40.8597300, -99.9873400 |
| Altitude | 759 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Grand Island
The most populous city in Hall County, Nebraska.
| Population | 51,004 |
| Coordinates | 40.9250100, -98.3420100 |
| Altitude | 567 |
| Country | United States |
End: West 3rd Street (-98.342013, 40.925014)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 161 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.31 | $26.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.01 | $30.03 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.43 | $32.86 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.72 | $37.45 |
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 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.