How far is Grand Island, NE from Wood River, NE?
The driving distance from Grand Island, NE to Wood River, NE is about 16 miles (25.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 15.3 miles (24.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 47m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 23m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Human settlement in Hall County, Nebraska, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Grand Island and Wood River.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grand Island and Wood River.
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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
112 m · 11 sec · North Walnut Street
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3
Turn right onto West 2nd Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · West 2nd Street
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4
Continue on West Highway 30
1.5 km · 2 min · West Highway 30
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5
Continue on West Highway 30
5.7 mi · 8 min · West Highway 30
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6
Continue on East Front Street
1 km · 1 min · East Front Street
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7
Continue on Highway 30
7.4 mi · 9 min · Highway 30
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8
Turn sharp right onto East Street
18 m · 3 sec · East Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Grand Island and Wood River.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Highway 30
Continue on Highway 30
7.37 mi · 00h 09m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Grand Island and Sunny near Wood River.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Grand Island to Wood River?
The road trip is about 16 miles (25.8 km) and usually takes 00h 23m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Alda is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8 miles from Grand Island and 8 miles from Wood River.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 15.3 miles (24.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 0.7 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.15 one way or $4.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny around Grand Island and Sunny near Wood River.
Stop Ideas Near Alda
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 Alda.
Hastings
Holdrege
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Grand Island and Wood River. Straight-line distance: 15.29 mi (24.61 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 Wood River
City in Nebraska
| Population | 1,307 |
| Coordinates | 40.8205700, -98.6000700 |
| Altitude | 599 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wood River (-98.60007, 40.82057)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 26 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.15 | $4.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $2.42 | $4.85 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $2.65 | $5.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $3.02 | $6.05 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.