How far is Scottsbluff, NE from Alma, NE?
The driving distance from Scottsbluff, NE to Alma, NE is about 295 miles (474.7 km), with a travel time of about 05h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 255.6 miles (411.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 04m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
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 05h 32m.
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.
Human settlement in Keith County, Nebraska, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Scottsbluff and Alma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Scottsbluff and Alma.
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1
Start on Avenue C
17 m · 8 sec · Avenue C
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2
Turn left onto West 20th Street
1149 ft · 37 sec · West 20th Street
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3
Continue on East 20th Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · East 20th Street
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4
Turn right onto Highway 26
7.5 mi · 9 min · Highway 26
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5
Turn right onto Highway L79E
2.1 mi · 3 min · Highway L79E
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6
Turn left onto Highway 92
11 mi · 13 min · Highway 92
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7
Continue on US Highway 26
12.5 mi · 15 min · US Highway 26
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8
Turn left onto Main Street
1 mi · 2 min · Main Street
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9
Continue straight
84 mi · 1 hr 39 min
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10
Turn right onto North Spruce Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · North Spruce Street
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11
Turn left
93 m · 8 sec
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12
Turn right onto South Highway 26/61
1.4 km · 1 min · South Highway 26/61
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13
Turn left onto I 80 east
2067 ft · 52 sec
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14
Merge slight left
129.6 mi · 2 hr 10 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward US 183: Holdrege, Elm Creek
1864 ft · 47 sec
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16
Turn right onto Highway 183
1.6 mi · 2 min · Highway 183
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17
Continue on US Highway 183
13.9 mi · 16 min · US Highway 183
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18
Continue on Burlington Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · Burlington Street
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19
Continue on Highway 281
1.4 km · 58 sec · Highway 281
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20
Continue on South East Avenue
1.3 km · 54 sec · South East Avenue
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21
Continue on US Highway 183
21.1 mi · 25 min · US Highway 183
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22
Turn left onto West 7th Street
2041 ft · 37 sec · West 7th Street
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23
Turn right onto John Street
2269 ft · 1 min · John Street
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · John Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Scottsbluff and Alma.
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
130 mi · 02h 10m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Scottsbluff and Sunny near Alma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Scottsbluff to Alma?
The road trip is about 295 miles (474.7 km) and usually takes 05h 32m 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?
Paxton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 147.3 miles from Scottsbluff and 147.7 miles from Alma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 255.6 miles (411.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.4 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 MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 5:56 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $39.26 one way or $78.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 92.5 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Scottsbluff and Alma, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Scottsbluff and Sunny near Alma.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Scottsbluff and Alma. Straight-line distance: 255.62 mi (411.38 km).
#1 Scottsbluff
City in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 14,373 |
| Coordinates | 41.8666300, -103.6671700 |
| Altitude | 1186 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alma
City in Nebraska, USA
| Population | 1,116 |
| Coordinates | 40.0975100, -99.3620400 |
| Altitude | 602 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alma (-99.36204, 40.09751)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 475 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $39.26 | $78.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $44.27 | $88.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $48.45 | $96.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $55.21 | $110.43 |
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.