How far is Kearney, NE from Fairbury, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Fairbury, NE is about 151.9 miles (244.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 107.2 miles (172.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 28m 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 44m.
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 Fairbury.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Fairbury.
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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
2.2 mi · 5 min · 2nd Avenue
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4
Turn left onto I 80 East
1626 ft · 42 sec
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5
Merge slight left
79.9 mi · 1 hr 20 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 81: York, Geneva
1633 ft · 42 sec
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7
Turn right onto South Lincoln Avenue
47.5 mi · 51 min · South Lincoln Avenue
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8
Turn left onto Highway 136
20.1 mi · 23 min · Highway 136
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9
Continue on West 14th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · West 14th Street
-
10
Turn right onto E Street
1 km · 2 min · E Street
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11
Turn right onto 6th Street
57 m · 8 sec · 6th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Fairbury.
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
79.9 mi · 01h 20m
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 Fairbury.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Fairbury?
The road trip is about 151.9 miles (244.4 km) and usually takes 02h 44m 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 75.9 miles from Kearney and 76 miles from Fairbury.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 107.2 miles (172.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.84 one way or $35.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Kearney and Mostly Sunny near Fairbury.
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 Fairbury. Straight-line distance: 107.27 mi (172.63 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 Fairbury
City in Jefferson County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 3,646 |
| Coordinates | 40.1372200, -97.1805900 |
| Altitude | 404 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairbury (-97.18059, 40.13722)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 244 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.84 | $35.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.12 | $40.23 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.01 | $44.03 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.09 | $50.18 |
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.