How far is Kearney, NE from North Platte, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to North Platte, NE is about 98.7 miles (158.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 92.7 miles (149.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 58m 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 01h 29m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and North Platte.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and North Platte.
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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
94.6 mi · 1 hr 35 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 83: North Platte, McCook
1336 ft · 33 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on US 83 North: North Platte
1678 ft · 41 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto South Jeffers Street
1395 ft · 34 sec · South Jeffers Street
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9
Continue on South Dewey Street
3211 ft · 60 sec · South Dewey Street
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10
Turn left onto East Philip Avenue
98 m · 21 sec · East Philip Avenue
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11
Turn left onto South Jeffers Street
657 ft · 13 sec · South Jeffers Street
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12
Turn right onto West William Avenue
122 m · 23 sec · West William Avenue
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13
Turn left
48 m · 12 sec
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and North Platte.
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
94.6 mi · 01h 35m
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 Sunny near North Platte.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to North Platte?
The road trip is about 98.7 miles (158.8 km) and usually takes 01h 29m 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?
Cozad is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.3 miles from Kearney and 49.4 miles from North Platte.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 92.7 miles (149.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 6 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 3:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.12 one way or $26.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Kearney and Sunny near North Platte.
Stop Ideas Near Cozad
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 Cozad.
Holdrege
McCook
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kearney and North Platte. Straight-line distance: 92.68 mi (149.16 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 North Platte
City in Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 23,202 |
| Coordinates | 41.1238900, -100.7654200 |
| Altitude | 854 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-100.765465, 41.124013)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 159 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.12 | $26.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.80 | $29.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.20 | $32.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.46 | $36.92 |
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.