How far is Kearney, NE from Papillion, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Papillion, NE is about 176 miles (283.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 161.7 miles (260.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 08m 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 34m.
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, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Papillion.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Papillion.
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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
165.8 mi · 2 hr 50 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 370: Papillion, Bellevue
2686 ft · 51 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on NE 370 East: Papillion, Bellevue
61 m · 7 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Highway 370
6.1 mi · 9 min · Highway 370
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9
Turn left onto South Washington Street
1 mi · 3 min · South Washington Street
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10
Turn right onto East Lincoln Street
60 m · 9 sec · East Lincoln Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Lincoln Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Papillion.
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
166 mi · 02h 50m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Papillion.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Papillion?
The road trip is about 176 miles (283.2 km) and usually takes 02h 34m 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?
Waco is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.9 miles from Kearney and 88 miles from Papillion.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 161.7 miles (260.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.3 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 1:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.42 one way or $46.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Kearney and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Papillion.
Stop Ideas Near Waco
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 Waco.
Lincoln
Hastings
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kearney and Papillion. Straight-line distance: 161.73 mi (260.28 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 Papillion
City in and county seat of Sarpy County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 20,293 |
| Coordinates | 41.1544400, -96.0422400 |
| Altitude | 308 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Lincoln Street (-96.042241, 41.154416)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 283 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.42 | $46.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.41 | $52.82 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.90 | $57.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.94 | $65.88 |
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.