How far is Kearney, NE from Cozad, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Cozad, NE is about 53.6 miles (86.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.7 miles (78.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 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 00h 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.
Village in Nebraska, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Cozad.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Cozad.
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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
1.9 mi · 4 min · 2nd Avenue
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward I 80 West
2212 ft · 54 sec
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5
Merge slight left
49.5 mi · 49 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 21: Cozad
1916 ft · 33 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on NE 21 North: Cozad
48 m · 6 sec
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8
Turn straight onto South Meridian Avenue
3204 ft · 1 min · South Meridian Avenue
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9
Continue on State Highway 21
1610 ft · 39 sec · State Highway 21
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10
Continue on E Street
132 m · 22 sec · E Street
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11
Turn left onto East 8th Street
1140 ft · 39 sec · East 8th Street
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12
Turn right onto H Street
21 m · 3 sec · H Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · H Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Cozad.
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 West
Merge slight left
49.5 mi · 00h 49m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Kearney and Rain Showers near Cozad.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Cozad?
The road trip is about 53.6 miles (86.2 km) and usually takes 00h 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?
Overton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.7 miles from Kearney and 26.8 miles from Cozad.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.7 miles (78.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.9 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 4:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.13 one way or $14.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Kearney and Rain Showers near Cozad.
Stop Ideas Near Overton
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 Overton.
Holdrege
Hastings
McCook
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kearney and Cozad. Straight-line distance: 48.67 mi (78.33 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 Cozad
City in Nebraska
| Population | 3,715 |
| Coordinates | 40.8597300, -99.9873400 |
| Altitude | 759 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cozad (-99.98734, 40.85973)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 86 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 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 | $7.13 | $14.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.04 | $16.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.80 | $17.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.02 | $20.05 |
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 11, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.