How far is North Platte, NE from Kearney, NE?
The driving distance from North Platte, NE to Kearney, NE is about 98.9 miles (159.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 92.7 miles (149.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 00m 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 01h 30m.
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.
City in Nebraska
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between North Platte and Kearney.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Platte and Kearney.
-
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
94.6 mi · 1 hr 35 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 44: Kearney, Archway Monument
1865 ft · 34 sec
-
7
Turn left onto South 2nd Avenue
2.2 mi · 5 min · South 2nd Avenue
-
8
Turn right onto West 24th Street
730 ft · 37 sec · West 24th Street
-
9
Turn left onto Central Avenue
16 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
-
10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between North Platte and Kearney.
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
94.6 mi · 01h 35m
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.
Sunny leaving North Platte and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Kearney.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from North Platte to Kearney?
The road trip is about 98.9 miles (159.2 km) and usually takes 01h 30m 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?
Cozad is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.4 miles from North Platte and 49.5 miles from Kearney.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 92.7 miles (149.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.2 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.16 one way or $26.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around North Platte and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Kearney.
Stop Ideas Near Cozad
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 Cozad.
Holdrege
McCook
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between North Platte and Kearney. Straight-line distance: 92.68 mi (149.16 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 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 |
End: Central Avenue (-99.081657, 40.699462)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 159 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.16 | $26.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.84 | $29.69 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.24 | $32.48 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.51 | $37.02 |
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.