How far is Omaha, NE from Kearney, NE?
The driving distance from Omaha, NE to Kearney, NE is about 184.9 miles (297.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 168.3 miles (270.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 35m 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 02h 47m.
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, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Omaha and Kearney.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Omaha and Kearney.
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1
Start on Harney Street
54 m · 10 sec · Harney Street
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2
Turn right onto South 18th Street
559 ft · 25 sec · South 18th Street
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3
Turn right onto Saint Mary's Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Saint Mary's Avenue
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4
Turn left onto South 29th Street
137 m · 11 sec · South 29th Street
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5
Take the ramp straight toward I 480 South, US 75 South
824 ft · 20 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Gerald R Ford Expressway
1.2 mi · 1 min · Gerald R Ford Expressway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Gerald R Ford Expressway
1.3 km · 56 sec · Gerald R Ford Expressway
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8
Merge slight left
179.4 mi · 3 hr 6 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward NE 44: Kearney, Archway Monument
1748 ft · 34 sec
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10
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
2 mi · 4 min · 2nd Avenue
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11
Turn right onto West 24th Street
730 ft · 37 sec · West 24th Street
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12
Turn left onto Central Avenue
16 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Omaha 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.
Gerald R Ford Expressway
Merge slight left
179 mi · 03h 06m
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 Omaha and Sunny near Kearney.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Omaha to Kearney?
The road trip is about 184.9 miles (297.5 km) and usually takes 02h 47m 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?
Waco is a useful midpoint, sitting about 92.3 miles from Omaha and 92.5 miles from Kearney.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 168.3 miles (270.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.6 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 12:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.59 one way or $49.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Omaha and Sunny near Kearney.
Stop Ideas Near Waco
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 Waco.
Lincoln
Hastings
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Omaha and Kearney. Straight-line distance: 168.29 mi (270.84 km).
#1 Omaha
The largest city in Nebraska and the center of the Omaha metropolitan area.
| Population | 478,393 |
| Coordinates | 41.2562600, -95.9404300 |
| Altitude | 323 |
| 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: 297 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.59 | $49.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.73 | $55.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.34 | $60.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.58 | $69.16 |
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.