How far is Kearney, NE from Ashland, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Ashland, NE is about 156 miles (251.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 143.7 miles (231.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 31m 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 45m.
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.
Human settlement in York County, Nebraska, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Ashland.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Ashland.
-
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
2.2 mi · 5 min · 2nd Avenue
-
4
Turn left onto I 80 East
1626 ft · 42 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
147.7 mi · 2 hr 32 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 63: Ashland, Greenwood
1510 ft · 37 sec
-
7
Turn left onto 238th Street
3.1 mi · 4 min · 238th Street
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8
Turn right onto Highway 6
1.8 mi · 2 min · Highway 6
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Highway 66
69 m · 4 sec · Highway 66
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10
Exit the roundabout onto Highway 66
839 ft · 17 sec · Highway 66
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11
Continue on South 14th Street
1490 ft · 32 sec · South 14th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 14th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Ashland.
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
148 mi · 02h 32m
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 Mostly Sunny near Ashland.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Ashland?
The road trip is about 156 miles (251.1 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Bradshaw is a useful midpoint, sitting about 77.9 miles from Kearney and 78.2 miles from Ashland.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 143.7 miles (231.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.3 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 12:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.78 one way or $41.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Kearney and Mostly Sunny near Ashland.
Stop Ideas Near Bradshaw
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 Bradshaw.
Hastings
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kearney and Ashland. Straight-line distance: 143.68 mi (231.23 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 Ashland
City in Saunders County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 2,724 |
| Coordinates | 41.0391600, -96.3683500 |
| Altitude | 332 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ashland (-96.36835, 41.03916)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 251 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.78 | $41.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.43 | $46.87 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.64 | $51.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.23 | $58.45 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.