How far is Wood River, NE from Kearney, NE?
The driving distance from Wood River, NE to Kearney, NE is about 26.8 miles (43.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.5 miles (42.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 00m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 30m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Buffalo County, Nebraska, U.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wood River and Kearney.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wood River and Kearney.
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1
Start on East Street
7 m · 8 sec · East Street
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2
Turn left onto Highway 30
24.9 mi · 32 min · Highway 30
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3
Continue on East 25th Street
1.8 mi · 4 min · East 25th Street
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4
Turn left onto Central Avenue
111 m · 12 sec · Central Avenue
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5
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wood River and Kearney.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Highway 30
Turn left onto Highway 30
24.9 mi · 00h 32m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Wood River and Sunny near Kearney.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wood River to Kearney?
The road trip is about 26.8 miles (43.1 km) and usually takes 00h 30m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Gibbon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.4 miles from Wood River and 13.4 miles from Kearney.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.5 miles (42.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 0.3 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.58 one way or $7.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Wood River and Sunny near Kearney.
Stop Ideas Near Gibbon
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 Gibbon.
Hastings
Holdrege
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wood River and Kearney. Straight-line distance: 26.54 mi (42.72 km).
#1 Wood River
City in Nebraska
| Population | 1,307 |
| Coordinates | 40.8205700, -98.6000700 |
| Altitude | 599 |
| 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: 43 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.58 | $7.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.04 | $8.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.42 | $8.84 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.04 | $10.08 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.