How far is Ogallala, NE from Kearney, NE?
The driving distance from Ogallala, NE to Kearney, NE is about 149.4 miles (240.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 24m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT.
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 02h 12m.
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.
Village in Nebraska
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ogallala and Kearney.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ogallala and Kearney.
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1
Start on North Spruce Street
1210 ft · 30 sec · North Spruce Street
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2
Turn left
93 m · 8 sec
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3
Turn right onto South Highway 26/61
1.4 km · 1 min · South Highway 26/61
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4
Turn left onto I 80 east
2067 ft · 52 sec
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5
Merge slight left
145.2 mi · 2 hr 25 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 44: Kearney, Archway Monument
1865 ft · 34 sec
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7
Turn left onto South 2nd Avenue
2.2 mi · 5 min · South 2nd Avenue
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8
Turn right onto West 24th Street
730 ft · 37 sec · West 24th Street
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9
Turn left onto Central Avenue
16 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ogallala 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
145 mi · 02h 25m
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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Ogallala and Sunny near Kearney.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ogallala to Kearney?
The road trip is about 149.4 miles (240.4 km) and usually takes 02h 12m 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 74.6 miles from Ogallala and 74.8 miles from Kearney.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.5 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 MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:06 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.87 one way or $39.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.8 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Ogallala and Kearney, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Ogallala and Sunny near Kearney.
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 Ogallala and Kearney. Straight-line distance: 140.89 mi (226.74 km).
#1 Ogallala
City in Keith County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 4,473 |
| Coordinates | 41.1280500, -101.7196200 |
| Altitude | 982 |
| 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: 240 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.87 | $39.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.41 | $44.83 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.53 | $49.05 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.95 | $55.90 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.