How far is Kearney, NE from Norfolk, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Norfolk, NE is about 151.2 miles (243.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126 miles (202.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 26m 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 43m.
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.
City in Nebraska, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Norfolk.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Norfolk.
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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
40.8 mi · 41 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Island
2525 ft · 1 min
-
7
Turn left onto South Locust Street
4.4 mi · 5 min · South Locust Street
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8
Turn right onto Highway 34
2.4 mi · 3 min · Highway 34
-
9
Turn left onto Husker Highway
1.2 km · 59 sec · Husker Highway
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10
Continue on South Gunbarrel Road
4 mi · 6 min · South Gunbarrel Road
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11
Turn right onto Highway 30
17.8 mi · 21 min · Highway 30
-
12
Continue on G Street
1.4 km · 2 min · G Street
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13
Continue on 16th Street
1 km · 1 min · 16th Street
-
14
Continue on Highway 30
26 mi · 31 min · Highway 30
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15
Turn left onto 370th Avenue
8.9 mi · 11 min · 370th Avenue
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16
Continue on Gleason Street
1138 ft · 33 sec · Gleason Street
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17
Turn right onto Columbus Avenue
2779 ft · 55 sec · Columbus Avenue
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18
Continue on State Highway 22
7.8 mi · 9 min · State Highway 22
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19
At the end of the road, turn left
39.2 mi · 43 min
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20
Turn right onto West Pasewalk Avenue
2599 ft · 1 min · West Pasewalk Avenue
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21
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward South 7th Street
41 m · 4 sec · South 7th Street
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22
Exit the roundabout onto South 7th Street
805 ft · 22 sec · South 7th Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 7th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Norfolk.
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
40.8 mi · 00h 41m
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 Widespread Frost then Sunny near Norfolk.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Norfolk?
The road trip is about 151.2 miles (243.4 km) and usually takes 02h 43m 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?
Central City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79 miles from Kearney and 72.3 miles from Norfolk.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126 miles (202.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.2 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 1:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.14 one way or $40.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Kearney and Widespread Frost then Sunny near Norfolk.
Stop Ideas Near Central City
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 Central City.
Hastings
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kearney and Norfolk. Straight-line distance: 126.01 mi (202.8 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 Norfolk
City in Madison County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 24,363 |
| Coordinates | 42.0283400, -97.4170000 |
| Altitude | 464 |
| Country | United States |
End: South 7th Street (-97.416847, 42.028339)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 243 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 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 | $20.14 | $40.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.71 | $45.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.85 | $49.70 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.32 | $56.65 |
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 · May 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.