How far is Scottsbluff, NE from Chadron, NE?
The driving distance from Scottsbluff, NE to Chadron, NE is about 98.3 miles (158.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 74.8 miles (120.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 55m 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 01h 57m.
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.
Human settlement in Box Butte County, Nebraska, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Scottsbluff and Chadron.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Scottsbluff and Chadron.
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1
Start on Avenue C
17 m · 4 sec · Avenue C
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2
Turn right onto West 20th Street
1234 ft · 35 sec · West 20th Street
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3
Turn right onto West Railway Street
1505 ft · 39 sec · West Railway Street
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4
Turn right onto Avenue I
2.3 mi · 4 min · Avenue I
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5
Continue on Highway 71
38.4 mi · 44 min · Highway 71
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6
Continue on Dodge Road
7 mi · 8 min · Dodge Road
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7
Turn left onto County Road 82
7.9 mi · 9 min · County Road 82
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8
Continue on Highway 2 71
17.8 mi · 21 min · Highway 2 71
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9
Continue on Highway 20
23.6 mi · 29 min · Highway 20
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10
Continue on West 3rd Street
2874 ft · 1 min · West 3rd Street
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11
Turn left
13 m · 3 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Scottsbluff and Chadron.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Highway 71
Continue on Highway 71
38.4 mi · 00h 44m
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 Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Scottsbluff and Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near Chadron.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Scottsbluff to Chadron?
The road trip is about 98.3 miles (158.2 km) and usually takes 01h 57m 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?
Hemingford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.2 miles from Scottsbluff and 49.2 miles from Chadron.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 74.8 miles (120.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.5 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 2:34 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.09 one way or $26.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers around Scottsbluff and Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near Chadron.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Scottsbluff and Chadron. Straight-line distance: 74.74 mi (120.28 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 Chadron
City in Nebraska
| Population | 5,250 |
| Coordinates | 42.8294200, -102.9999100 |
| Altitude | 1030 |
| Country | United States |
End: Chadron (-102.99991, 42.82942)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 158 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.09 | $26.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.76 | $29.52 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.15 | $32.30 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.40 | $36.81 |
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.