How far is Cozad, NE from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance from Cozad, NE to Lincoln, NE is about 181.8 miles (292.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 173.6 miles (279.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 28m 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 02h 44m.
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.
Township in Hall County, Nebraska
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cozad and Lincoln.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cozad and Lincoln.
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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
174.1 mi · 2 hr 58 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 77 South, To NE 2: Beatrice, Nebraska City
2614 ft · 44 sec
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9
Continue on Homestead Expressway
1.2 km · 55 sec · Homestead Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Rosa Parks Way
959 ft · 23 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on Rosa Parks Way, Downtown Lincoln
635 ft · 18 sec
-
12
Turn slight left onto Rosa Parks Way
2 mi · 3 min · Rosa Parks Way
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13
Continue on K Street
1 mi · 3 min · K Street
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14
Continue on Capitol Parkway
1 mi · 2 min · Capitol Parkway
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15
Turn left onto A Street
2046 ft · 60 sec · A Street
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16
Turn left onto South 37th Street
103 m · 17 sec · South 37th Street
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17
Turn right onto B Street
93 m · 11 sec · B Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · B Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cozad and Lincoln.
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
174 mi · 02h 58m
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 Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny near Lincoln.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cozad to Lincoln?
The road trip is about 181.8 miles (292.5 km) and usually takes 02h 44m 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?
Doniphan is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.8 miles from Cozad and 91 miles from Lincoln.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 173.6 miles (279.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.2 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 1:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.17 one way or $48.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny around Cozad and Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny near Lincoln.
Stop Ideas Near Doniphan
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 Doniphan.
Hastings
Holdrege
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cozad and Lincoln. Straight-line distance: 173.63 mi (279.43 km).
#1 Cozad
City in Nebraska
| Population | 3,715 |
| Coordinates | 40.8597300, -99.9873400 |
| Altitude | 759 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lincoln
The capital of Nebraska and the center of the Lincoln metropolitan area.
| Population | 290,505 |
| Coordinates | 40.8000000, -96.6669600 |
| Altitude | 367 |
| Country | United States |
End: B Street (-96.66696, 40.799868)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 292 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.17 | $48.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.26 | $54.52 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.83 | $59.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.00 | $68.00 |
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.