How far is Springfield, NE from Kearney, NE?
The driving distance from Springfield, NE to Kearney, NE is about 169.6 miles (272.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156.2 miles (251.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 10m 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 35m.
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.
City in Nebraska, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Springfield and Kearney.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield and Kearney.
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1
Start on North 1st Street
16 m · 5 sec · North 1st Street
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2
Turn right onto Main Street
1038 ft · 35 sec · Main Street
-
3
Turn right onto State Highway 50
2626 ft · 43 sec · State Highway 50
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4
Turn left onto Platteview Road
6 mi · 8 min · Platteview Road
-
5
Turn right onto South Highway 31
2649 ft · 50 sec · South Highway 31
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6
Turn left onto I 80 west
2485 ft · 1 min
-
7
Merge slight left
159.6 mi · 2 hr 44 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward NE 44: Kearney, Archway Monument
1748 ft · 34 sec
-
9
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
2 mi · 4 min · 2nd Avenue
-
10
Turn right onto West 24th Street
730 ft · 37 sec · West 24th Street
-
11
Turn left onto Central Avenue
16 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Springfield 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
160 mi · 02h 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.
Partly Sunny leaving Springfield and Partly Cloudy near Kearney.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Springfield to Kearney?
The road trip is about 169.6 miles (272.9 km) and usually takes 02h 35m 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?
York is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84.7 miles from Springfield and 84.9 miles from Kearney.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156.2 miles (251.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.55 one way or $45.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Springfield and Partly Cloudy near Kearney.
Stop Ideas Near York
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 York.
Hastings
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Springfield and Kearney. Straight-line distance: 156.17 mi (251.33 km).
#1 Springfield
City in Nebraska, United States
| Population | 1,622 |
| Coordinates | 41.0819400, -96.1344600 |
| Altitude | 325 |
| 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: 273 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.55 | $45.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.43 | $50.87 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.83 | $55.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.72 | $63.44 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.