How far is Seward, NE from Kearney, NE?
The driving distance from Seward, NE to Kearney, NE is about 114.3 miles (183.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.7 miles (168.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 26m 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 01h 43m.
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 Hamilton County, Nebraska, United States of America
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 Seward and Kearney.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Seward and Kearney.
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1
Start on Main Street
15 m · 8 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn left onto South 6th Street
2254 ft · 47 sec · South 6th Street
-
3
Continue on South Highway 15
1.4 km · 2 min · South Highway 15
-
4
Continue on 280th Road
4.4 mi · 5 min · 280th Road
-
5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 80 West: Grand Island
1583 ft · 38 sec
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6
Merge slight left
105.9 mi · 1 hr 46 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward NE 44: Kearney, Archway Monument
1748 ft · 34 sec
-
8
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
2 mi · 4 min · 2nd Avenue
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9
Turn right onto West 24th Street
730 ft · 37 sec · West 24th Street
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10
Turn left onto Central Avenue
16 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Seward 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
106 mi · 01h 46m
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 Seward and Sunny near Kearney.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Seward to Kearney?
The road trip is about 114.3 miles (183.9 km) and usually takes 01h 43m 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?
Giltner is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57 miles from Seward and 57.2 miles from Kearney.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.7 miles (168.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.6 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 3:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.20 one way or $30.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Seward and Sunny near Kearney.
Stop Ideas Near Giltner
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 Giltner.
Hastings
Holdrege
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Seward and Kearney. Straight-line distance: 104.68 mi (168.46 km).
#1 Seward
City in Alaska, USA
| Population | 7,363 |
| Coordinates | 40.9069500, -97.0989200 |
| Altitude | 455 |
| 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: 184 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.20 | $30.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.14 | $34.28 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.76 | $37.51 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.38 | $42.75 |
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.