How far is Kearney, NE from Ralston, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Ralston, NE is about 177.8 miles (286.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 162.4 miles (261.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 18m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 09m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Ralston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Ralston.
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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
171.5 mi · 2 hr 57 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 275, NE 92
1563 ft · 23 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on US 275 East, NE 92 East
3109 ft · 53 sec
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8
Turn straight onto L Street
2.2 mi · 4 min · L Street
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9
Turn right onto South 84th Street
2571 ft · 51 sec · South 84th Street
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10
Turn left onto Q Street
59 m · 11 sec · Q Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Q Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Ralston.
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
171 mi · 02h 57m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Kearney and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ralston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Ralston?
The road trip is about 177.8 miles (286.1 km) and usually takes 03h 09m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Waco is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.7 miles from Kearney and 89 miles from Ralston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 162.4 miles (261.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:42 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.64 one way or $47.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Kearney and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ralston.
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 Ralston. Straight-line distance: 162.38 mi (261.32 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 Ralston
City in Douglas County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 7,254 |
| Coordinates | 41.2052800, -96.0425200 |
| Altitude | 349 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ralston (-96.04252, 41.20528)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 286 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.64 | $47.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.67 | $53.33 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.18 | $58.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.26 | $66.51 |
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.