How far is Lincoln, NE from Ogallala, NE?
The driving distance from Lincoln, NE to Ogallala, NE is about 277.9 miles (447.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 264.6 miles (425.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 38m 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 04h 49m.
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.
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lincoln and Ogallala.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lincoln and Ogallala.
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1
Start on B Street
93 m · 16 sec · B Street
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2
Turn left onto South 37th Street
103 m · 17 sec · South 37th Street
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3
Turn right onto A Street
1983 ft · 55 sec · A Street
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4
Turn slight right onto Capitol Parkway
1.2 mi · 3 min · Capitol Parkway
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5
Continue on L Street
1.5 km · 3 min · L Street
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6
Continue on Rosa Parks Way
1.9 mi · 3 min · Rosa Parks Way
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 77 north, To I 80
1619 ft · 40 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Homestead Expressway
1.2 km · 57 sec · Homestead Expressway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West: Grand Island
1.3 km · 2 min
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10
Merge slight left
270.2 mi · 4 hr 34 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 26, NE 61: Ogallala, Grant
1578 ft · 40 sec
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12
Turn right onto South Highway 26/61
1.1 km · 1 min · South Highway 26/61
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13
Continue on East A Street
1322 ft · 32 sec · East A Street
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14
Turn left onto East 5th Street
100 m · 12 sec · East 5th Street
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15
Turn left onto North Spruce Street
32 m · 2 sec · North Spruce Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Spruce Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lincoln 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
270 mi · 04h 34m
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.
Areas Of Frost then Sunny leaving Lincoln and Sunny near Ogallala.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lincoln to Ogallala?
The road trip is about 277.9 miles (447.2 km) and usually takes 04h 49m 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?
Amherst is a useful midpoint, sitting about 138.6 miles from Lincoln and 139.2 miles from Ogallala.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 264.6 miles (425.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.99 one way or $73.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 87.2 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Lincoln and Ogallala, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Frost then Sunny around Lincoln and Sunny near Ogallala.
Stop Ideas Near Amherst
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 Amherst.
Holdrege
Hastings
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lincoln and Ogallala. Straight-line distance: 264.55 mi (425.75 km).
#1 Lincoln
The capital of Nebraska and the center of the Lincoln metropolitan area.
| Population | 290,505 |
| Coordinates | 40.8000000, -96.6669600 |
| Altitude | 367 |
| 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: 447 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $36.99 | $73.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.72 | $83.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $45.66 | $91.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $52.03 | $104.06 |
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 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.