How far is Kearney, NE from Gretna, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Gretna, NE is about 166.3 miles (267.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 151.4 miles (243.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 54m 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 57m.
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
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Gretna.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Gretna.
-
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
159.7 mi · 2 hr 44 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 31: Gretna, Louisville
1340 ft · 33 sec
-
7
Keep slight left
71 m · 8 sec
-
8
Turn left onto South Highway 31
2283 ft · 50 sec · South Highway 31
-
9
Continue on South Highway 6
3.1 mi · 5 min · South Highway 6
-
10
Turn left onto West Angus Road
53 m · 9 sec · West Angus Road
-
11
Turn right onto Pontiac Drive
135 m · 20 sec · Pontiac Drive
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Pontiac Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Gretna.
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
160 mi · 02h 44m
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 near Gretna.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Gretna?
The road trip is about 166.3 miles (267.6 km) and usually takes 02h 57m 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 83 miles from Kearney and 83.3 miles from Gretna.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 151.4 miles (243.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.9 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 12:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.14 one way or $44.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.2 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 near Gretna.
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 Gretna. Straight-line distance: 151.46 mi (243.75 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 Gretna
City in Sarpy County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 5,024 |
| Coordinates | 41.1408300, -96.2397400 |
| Altitude | 387 |
| Country | United States |
End: Gretna (-96.23974, 41.14083)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 268 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.14 | $44.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.97 | $49.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.32 | $54.64 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.13 | $62.27 |
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.