How far is Papillion, NE from Kearney, NE?
The driving distance from Papillion, NE to Kearney, NE is about 175.8 miles (282.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 161.7 miles (260.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 12m 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 36m.
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 Papillion and Kearney.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Papillion and Kearney.
-
1
Start on East Lincoln Street
60 m · 16 sec · East Lincoln Street
-
2
Turn left onto South Washington Street
1.6 km · 2 min · South Washington Street
-
3
Turn right onto Highway 370
6.3 mi · 9 min · Highway 370
-
4
Turn left onto I 80 West: Lincoln
2360 ft · 29 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
165.7 mi · 2 hr 50 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward NE 44: Kearney, Archway Monument
1748 ft · 34 sec
-
7
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
2 mi · 4 min · 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 Papillion 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 West
Merge slight left
166 mi · 02h 50m
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 Papillion and Sunny near Kearney.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Papillion to Kearney?
The road trip is about 175.8 miles (282.9 km) and usually takes 02h 36m 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 87.8 miles from Papillion and 88 miles from Kearney.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 161.7 miles (260.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.1 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 1:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.38 one way or $46.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Papillion 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 Papillion and Kearney. Straight-line distance: 161.73 mi (260.28 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 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: 283 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.38 | $46.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.37 | $52.74 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.85 | $57.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.88 | $65.77 |
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.