How far is Kearney, NE from Alma, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Alma, NE is about 54.3 miles (87.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.1 miles (71 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 18m 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 09m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Alma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Alma.
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1
Start on Central Avenue
16 m · 4 sec · Central Avenue
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2
Turn right onto West 24th Street
730 ft · 32 sec · West 24th Street
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3
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue
4 mi · 7 min · 2nd Avenue
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4
Continue straight
10.9 mi · 13 min
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5
Turn right onto Highway 6
5.1 mi · 6 min · Highway 6
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6
Continue on US Highway 6 & 34
9.6 mi · 11 min · US Highway 6 & 34
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7
Continue on 4th Avenue
2769 ft · 1 min · 4th Avenue
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8
Turn left onto Arthur Street
97 m · 14 sec · Arthur Street
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9
Continue on Railroad Street
794 ft · 38 sec · Railroad Street
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10
Turn left onto East Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · East Avenue
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11
At the end of the road, turn left onto Highway 281
689 ft · 9 sec · Highway 281
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12
Continue on South East Avenue
1.3 km · 54 sec · South East Avenue
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13
Continue on US Highway 183
21.1 mi · 25 min · US Highway 183
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14
Turn left onto West 7th Street
2041 ft · 37 sec · West 7th Street
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15
Turn right onto John Street
2269 ft · 1 min · John Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · John Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Alma.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US Highway 183
Continue on US Highway 183
21.1 mi · 00h 25m
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 leaving Kearney and Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny near Alma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Alma?
The road trip is about 54.3 miles (87.4 km) and usually takes 01h 09m 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?
Holdrege is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.2 miles from Kearney and 27.2 miles from Alma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44.1 miles (71 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.2 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 4:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.24 one way or $14.48 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Kearney and Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny near Alma.
Stop Ideas Near Holdrege
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 Holdrege.
Holdrege
Hastings
McCook
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kearney and Alma. Straight-line distance: 44.14 mi (71.03 km).
#1 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 |
#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: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.24 | $14.48 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.17 | $16.33 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.94 | $17.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.18 | $20.37 |
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.