How far is Kearney, NE from Ogallala, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Ogallala, NE is about 149.1 miles (239.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 06m 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 33m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Ogallala.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Ogallala.
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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
145.3 mi · 2 hr 25 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 26, NE 61: Ogallala, Grant
1578 ft · 40 sec
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7
Turn right onto South Highway 26/61
1.1 km · 1 min · South Highway 26/61
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8
Continue on East A Street
1322 ft · 32 sec · East A Street
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9
Turn left onto East 5th Street
100 m · 12 sec · East 5th Street
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10
Turn left onto North Spruce Street
32 m · 2 sec · North Spruce Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Spruce Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Ogallala.
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
145 mi · 02h 25m
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 Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Ogallala.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Ogallala?
The road trip is about 149.1 miles (239.9 km) and usually takes 02h 33m 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?
Brady is a useful midpoint, sitting about 74.4 miles from Kearney and 74.7 miles from Ogallala.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.2 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 1:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.84 one way or $39.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.7 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Kearney and Ogallala, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Kearney and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Ogallala.
Stop Ideas Near Brady
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 Brady.
McCook
Holdrege
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kearney and Ogallala. Straight-line distance: 140.89 mi (226.74 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 Ogallala
City in Keith County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 4,473 |
| Coordinates | 41.1280500, -101.7196200 |
| Altitude | 982 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ogallala (-101.71962, 41.12805)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 240 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.84 | $39.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.37 | $44.74 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.48 | $48.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.90 | $55.80 |
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.