How far is North Platte, NE from Cozad, NE?
The driving distance from North Platte, NE to Cozad, NE is about 48 miles (77.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.5 miles (71.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 43m 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 00h 51m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between North Platte and Cozad.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Platte and Cozad.
-
1
Start on the route
48 m · 14 sec
-
2
Turn right onto West William Avenue
122 m · 20 sec · West William Avenue
-
3
Turn right onto South Jeffers Street
1.6 km · 2 min · South Jeffers Street
-
4
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 East
2977 ft · 1 min
-
5
Merge slight left
44.5 mi · 45 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 21: Cozad
1939 ft · 33 sec
-
7
Turn slight left onto NE 21 North: Cozad, Robert Henri Museum
30 m · 12 sec
-
8
Turn left onto South Meridian Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · South Meridian Avenue
-
9
Continue on State Highway 21
1610 ft · 39 sec · State Highway 21
-
10
Continue on E Street
132 m · 22 sec · E Street
-
11
Turn left onto East 8th Street
1140 ft · 39 sec · East 8th Street
-
12
Turn right onto H Street
21 m · 3 sec · H Street
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · H Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between North Platte and Cozad.
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
44.5 mi · 00h 45m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving North Platte and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cozad.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from North Platte to Cozad?
The road trip is about 48 miles (77.2 km) and usually takes 00h 51m 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?
Brady is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24 miles from North Platte and 24 miles from Cozad.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44.5 miles (71.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.5 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 4:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.37 one way or $12.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around North Platte and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cozad.
Stop Ideas Near Brady
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 Brady.
McCook
Holdrege
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between North Platte and Cozad. Straight-line distance: 44.5 mi (71.61 km).
#1 North Platte
City in Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 23,202 |
| Coordinates | 41.1238900, -100.7654200 |
| Altitude | 854 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cozad
City in Nebraska
| Population | 3,715 |
| Coordinates | 40.8597300, -99.9873400 |
| Altitude | 759 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cozad (-99.98734, 40.85973)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 77 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.37 | $12.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.19 | $14.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.87 | $15.73 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.96 | $17.93 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.