How far is Cozad, NE from Kearney, NE?
The driving distance from Cozad, NE to Kearney, NE is about 49.5 miles (79.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.7 miles (78.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 46m 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 00h 53m.
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.
Village in Nebraska, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cozad and Kearney.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cozad and Kearney.
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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
49.5 mi · 50 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward NE 44: Kearney, Archway Monument
1865 ft · 34 sec
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9
Turn left onto South 2nd Avenue
2.2 mi · 5 min · South 2nd Avenue
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10
Turn right onto West 24th Street
730 ft · 37 sec · West 24th Street
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11
Turn left onto Central Avenue
16 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cozad 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
49.5 mi · 00h 50m
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.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Cozad and Sunny near Kearney.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cozad to Kearney?
The road trip is about 49.5 miles (79.6 km) and usually takes 00h 53m 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?
Overton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.9 miles from Cozad and 22.6 miles from Kearney.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.7 miles (78.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 0.8 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 4:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.60 one way or $13.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Cozad and Sunny near Kearney.
Stop Ideas Near Overton
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 Overton.
Holdrege
Hastings
McCook
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cozad and Kearney. Straight-line distance: 48.67 mi (78.33 km).
#1 Cozad
City in Nebraska
| Population | 3,715 |
| Coordinates | 40.8597300, -99.9873400 |
| Altitude | 759 |
| 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: 80 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.60 | $13.20 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.44 | $14.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.14 | $16.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.28 | $18.56 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.