How far is Fairbury, NE from North Platte, NE?
The driving distance from Fairbury, NE to North Platte, NE is about 246.2 miles (396.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 200 miles (321.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 21m 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 03h 40m.
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.
City in Nebraska
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fairbury and North Platte.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairbury and North Platte.
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1
Start on 6th Street
57 m · 13 sec · 6th Street
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2
Turn left onto E Street
1 km · 2 min · E Street
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3
Turn left onto 14th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · 14th Street
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4
Continue on Highway 136
20.1 mi · 23 min · Highway 136
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5
Turn right
47.7 mi · 52 min
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6
Turn left onto I 80 west
1730 ft · 42 sec
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7
Merge slight left
175.1 mi · 2 hr 55 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 83: North Platte, McCook
1336 ft · 33 sec
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9
Keep slight right to continue on US 83 North: North Platte
1678 ft · 41 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto South Jeffers Street
1395 ft · 34 sec · South Jeffers Street
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11
Continue on South Dewey Street
3211 ft · 60 sec · South Dewey Street
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12
Turn left onto East Philip Avenue
98 m · 21 sec · East Philip Avenue
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13
Turn left onto South Jeffers Street
657 ft · 13 sec · South Jeffers Street
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14
Turn right onto West William Avenue
122 m · 23 sec · West William Avenue
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15
Turn left
48 m · 12 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairbury and North Platte.
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
175 mi · 02h 55m
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.
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny leaving Fairbury and Mostly Sunny near North Platte.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fairbury to North Platte?
The road trip is about 246.2 miles (396.2 km) and usually takes 03h 40m 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?
Wood River is a useful midpoint, sitting about 123 miles from Fairbury and 123.2 miles from North Platte.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 200 miles (321.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 46.2 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:38 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.77 one way or $65.54 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny around Fairbury and Mostly Sunny near North Platte.
Stop Ideas Near Wood River
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 Wood River.
Hastings
Holdrege
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fairbury and North Platte. Straight-line distance: 199.94 mi (321.77 km).
#1 Fairbury
City in Jefferson County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 3,646 |
| Coordinates | 40.1372200, -97.1805900 |
| Altitude | 404 |
| Country | United States |
#2 North Platte
City in Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 23,202 |
| Coordinates | 41.1238900, -100.7654200 |
| Altitude | 854 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-100.765465, 41.124013)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 396 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.77 | $65.54 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.96 | $73.92 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $40.44 | $80.89 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $46.09 | $92.18 |
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.