How far is Kearney, NE from Valentine, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Valentine, NE is about 195.3 miles (314.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 168.1 miles (270.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 41m 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 50m.
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.
Human settlement in Blaine County, Nebraska, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Valentine.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Valentine.
-
1
Start on Central Avenue
98 m · 11 sec · Central Avenue
-
2
Turn left onto West 25th Street
771 ft · 30 sec · West 25th Street
-
3
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
3.4 mi · 6 min · 2nd Avenue
-
4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 2nd Avenue
59 m · 8 sec · 2nd Avenue
-
5
Exit the roundabout onto 2nd Avenue
2.5 mi · 3 min · 2nd Avenue
-
6
Continue on Highway 10
21.2 mi · 25 min · Highway 10
-
7
Turn left onto Highway 2
36.8 mi · 42 min · Highway 2
-
8
Continue on South E Street
2.1 mi · 2 min · South E Street
-
9
Continue on Highway 2
65.5 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Highway 2
-
10
Turn right onto Highway 83
58.1 mi · 1 hr 7 min · Highway 83
-
11
Continue straight
5.2 mi · 7 min
-
12
Turn right onto South Main Street
1892 ft · 30 sec · South Main Street
-
13
Turn left onto West 2nd Street
34 m · 5 sec · West 2nd Street
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Valentine.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Highway 2
Continue on Highway 2
65.5 mi · 01h 16m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Kearney and Chance Rain Showers near Valentine.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Valentine?
The road trip is about 195.3 miles (314.3 km) and usually takes 03h 50m 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?
Dunning is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.6 miles from Kearney and 97.7 miles from Valentine.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 168.1 miles (270.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.2 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:18 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.98 one way or $51.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Kearney and Chance Rain Showers near Valentine.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kearney and Valentine. Straight-line distance: 168.16 mi (270.63 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 Valentine
City in Cherry County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 2,745 |
| Coordinates | 42.8727800, -100.5509700 |
| Altitude | 787 |
| Country | United States |
End: Valentine (-100.55097, 42.87278)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 314 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.98 | $51.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.30 | $58.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.07 | $64.13 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.54 | $73.09 |
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 11, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.