How far is Kearney, NE from Springfield, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Springfield, NE is about 169.6 miles (273 km), with a travel time of about 03h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156.2 miles (251.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 02m 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 01m.
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.
City in Nebraska, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Springfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Springfield.
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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
-
4
Turn left onto I 80 East
1626 ft · 42 sec
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5
Merge slight left
159.7 mi · 2 hr 44 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 31: Gretna, Louisville
1340 ft · 33 sec
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7
Keep slight right
92 m · 7 sec
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8
Turn straight onto South Highway 31
1563 ft · 30 sec · South Highway 31
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9
Turn left onto Platteview Road
6 mi · 8 min · Platteview Road
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10
Turn right onto State Highway 50
2638 ft · 44 sec · State Highway 50
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11
Turn left onto Main Street
1082 ft · 40 sec · Main Street
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12
Turn left onto North 1st Street
16 m · 2 sec · North 1st Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 1st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Springfield.
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
160 mi · 02h 44m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Kearney and Partly Sunny near Springfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Springfield?
The road trip is about 169.6 miles (273 km) and usually takes 03h 01m 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?
York is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84.6 miles from Kearney and 85 miles from Springfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156.2 miles (251.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.4 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 10:58 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.59 one way or $45.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Kearney and Partly Sunny near Springfield.
Stop Ideas Near York
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 York.
Hastings
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kearney and Springfield. Straight-line distance: 156.17 mi (251.33 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 Springfield
City in Nebraska, United States
| Population | 1,622 |
| Coordinates | 41.0819400, -96.1344600 |
| Altitude | 325 |
| Country | United States |
End: Springfield (-96.13446, 41.08194)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 273 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.59 | $45.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.48 | $50.95 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.88 | $55.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.77 | $63.54 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.