How far is Grand Island, NE from Alma, NE?
The driving distance from Grand Island, NE to Alma, NE is about 100.5 miles (161.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78.4 miles (126.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 56m 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 58m.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Grand Island and Alma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grand Island and Alma.
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1
Start on West 3rd Street
122 m · 25 sec · West 3rd Street
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2
Turn left onto North Walnut Street
1799 ft · 36 sec · North Walnut Street
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3
Continue on South Locust Street
6.4 mi · 11 min · South Locust Street
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4
Take the ramp slight right
2024 ft · 49 sec
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5
Merge slight left
40.8 mi · 41 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 44: Kearney, Archway Monument
1748 ft · 32 sec
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7
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue
12.9 mi · 16 min · 2nd Avenue
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8
Turn right onto Highway 6
5.1 mi · 6 min · Highway 6
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9
Continue on US Highway 6 & 34
9.6 mi · 11 min · US Highway 6 & 34
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10
Continue on 4th Avenue
2769 ft · 1 min · 4th Avenue
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11
Turn left onto Arthur Street
97 m · 14 sec · Arthur Street
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12
Continue on Railroad Street
794 ft · 38 sec · Railroad Street
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13
Turn left onto East Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · East Avenue
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14
At the end of the road, turn left onto Highway 281
689 ft · 9 sec · Highway 281
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15
Continue on South East Avenue
1.3 km · 54 sec · South East Avenue
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16
Continue on US Highway 183
21.1 mi · 25 min · US Highway 183
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17
Turn left onto West 7th Street
2041 ft · 37 sec · West 7th Street
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18
Turn right onto John Street
2269 ft · 1 min · John Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · John Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Grand Island and Alma.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
South Locust Street
Merge slight left
40.8 mi · 00h 41m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Grand Island and Mostly Sunny near Alma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Grand Island to Alma?
The road trip is about 100.5 miles (161.8 km) and usually takes 01h 58m 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 50.3 miles from Grand Island and 50.3 miles from Alma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78.4 miles (126.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.1 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 2:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.39 one way or $26.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Grand Island and Mostly Sunny near Alma.
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 Grand Island and Alma. Straight-line distance: 78.35 mi (126.1 km).
#1 Grand Island
The most populous city in Hall County, Nebraska.
| Population | 51,004 |
| Coordinates | 40.9250100, -98.3420100 |
| Altitude | 567 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alma
City in Nebraska, USA
| Population | 1,116 |
| Coordinates | 40.0975100, -99.3620400 |
| Altitude | 602 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alma (-99.36204, 40.09751)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 162 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 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 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.39 | $26.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.10 | $30.20 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.52 | $33.04 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.83 | $37.66 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.