How far is Kearney, NE from Chalco, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Chalco, NE is about 172.8 miles (278.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156.6 miles (252 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 09m 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 34m.
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Chalco.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Chalco.
-
1
Start on Central Avenue
16 m · 4 sec · Central Avenue
-
2
Turn right onto West 24th Street
730 ft · 32 sec · West 24th Street
-
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
167.2 mi · 2 hr 52 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 50: West Omaha
2305 ft · 46 sec
-
7
Turn left onto South 144th Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · South 144th Street
-
8
Continue on State Highway 50
1280 ft · 32 sec · State Highway 50
-
9
Turn left onto Chandler Road
3129 ft · 2 min · Chandler Road
-
10
Turn right
24 m · 6 sec
-
11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Chalco.
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
167 mi · 02h 52m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Kearney and Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Chalco.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Chalco?
The road trip is about 172.8 miles (278.1 km) and usually takes 02h 34m 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?
York is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.1 miles from Kearney and 86.7 miles from Chalco.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156.6 miles (252 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.2 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 1:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.00 one way or $46.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Kearney and Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Chalco.
Stop Ideas Near York
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 York.
Hastings
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kearney and Chalco. Straight-line distance: 156.59 mi (252.01 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 Chalco
In Nebraska, USA
| Population | 10,994 |
| Coordinates | 41.1838900, -96.1503000 |
| Altitude | 327 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-96.150143, 41.183857)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 278 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.00 | $46.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.94 | $51.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.39 | $56.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.35 | $64.71 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.