How far is Papillion, NE from Cozad, NE?
The driving distance from Papillion, NE to Cozad, NE is about 225.2 miles (362.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 206.7 miles (332.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 52m 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 03h 56m.
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.
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 Papillion and Cozad.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Papillion and Cozad.
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1
Start on East Lincoln Street
60 m · 16 sec · East Lincoln Street
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2
Turn left onto South Washington Street
1.6 km · 2 min · South Washington Street
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3
Turn right onto Highway 370
6.3 mi · 9 min · Highway 370
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4
Turn left onto I 80 West: Lincoln
2360 ft · 29 sec
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5
Merge slight left
215.9 mi · 3 hr 40 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 21: Cozad
1916 ft · 33 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on NE 21 North: Cozad
48 m · 6 sec
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8
Turn straight onto South Meridian Avenue
3204 ft · 1 min · South Meridian Avenue
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9
Continue on State Highway 21
1610 ft · 39 sec · State Highway 21
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10
Continue on E Street
132 m · 22 sec · E Street
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11
Turn left onto East 8th Street
1140 ft · 39 sec · East 8th Street
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12
Turn right onto H Street
21 m · 3 sec · H Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · H Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Papillion 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 West
Merge slight left
216 mi · 03h 40m
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.
Sunny leaving Papillion and Sunny near Cozad.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Papillion to Cozad?
The road trip is about 225.2 miles (362.5 km) and usually takes 03h 56m 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?
Aurora is a useful midpoint, sitting about 112.4 miles from Papillion and 112.8 miles from Cozad.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 206.7 miles (332.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.5 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:08 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.98 one way or $59.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 70.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Papillion and Sunny near Cozad.
Stop Ideas Near Aurora
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 Aurora.
Hastings
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Papillion and Cozad. Straight-line distance: 206.69 mi (332.63 km).
#1 Papillion
City in and county seat of Sarpy County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 20,293 |
| Coordinates | 41.1544400, -96.0422400 |
| Altitude | 308 |
| 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: 362 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.98 | $59.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $33.81 | $67.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $37.00 | $74.00 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $42.17 | $84.33 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.