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Trip from Kearney, NE to Omaha, NE

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 17m

Distance

185.3 mi

298 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
3h 6m ★
6 AM
3h 18m
8 AM
3h 41m
10 AM
3h 26m
12 PM
3h 24m
3 PM
3h 27m
5 PM
3h 40m
8 PM
3h 10m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in and county seat of Buffalo County, Nebraska, United States

Kearney, NE

Wikimedia Commons

seat of Douglas County, and largest city in State of Nebraska, United States

Omaha, NE

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 185-mile drive from Kearney, Nebraska, to Omaha, Nebraska, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-80, with a small portion on 2nd Avenue and Gerald R. Ford Expressway, making it a 98% highway-focused journey. Expect a fuel cost of around $29 for this stretch. The drive stays within the Great Plains region, offering a consistent landscape. Given its efficiency, this route is ideal for travelers looking to reach their destination without extensive detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

92.7 miles from Kearney, NE

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 179.5 mi 3h 6m
2nd Avenue 2.2 mi 4m
Gerald R Ford Expressway 2 mi 2m
Harney Street 0.7 mi 2m
West 24th Street 0.1 mi <1m
Central Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 179.5 mi, about 3h 6m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kearney, NE and Omaha, NE.

1

Start on Central Avenue

51 ft · 3 sec · Central Avenue
2

Turn right onto West 24th Street

0.1 mi · 32 sec · West 24th Street
3

Turn left onto 2nd Avenue

2.2 mi · 4 min · 2nd Avenue
4

Turn left

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 80 East
5

Merge onto I 80

180 mi · 3 hr 6 min · I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 480 North, US 75: Eppley Airfield, Downtown, Bellevue
7

Keep slight left at fork onto Gerald R Ford Expressway

2.0 mi · 2 min · Gerald R Ford Expressway
Toward I 480 North, US 75 North: Eppley Airfield, Downtown
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Exit 2A Toward Harney Street, Dodge Street Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Turn right onto Harney Street

0.7 mi · 2 min · Harney Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Arrive at destination

Harney Street

Trip Plan

With a duration of just over three hours, this drive is perfect for a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Leaving in the morning will allow you to arrive in Omaha with plenty of daylight. Since the longest stretch on I-80 is nearly 180 miles, plan for one convenient stop for fuel or a break before you get too low. The estimated fuel cost of $29 is a good budget to keep in mind. Keep an eye out for the transition onto Gerald R. Ford Expressway as you approach Omaha, as this marks the final approach to the city.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 92.7 miles from Kearney, NE, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 179.5 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 41 miles or 45m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 92.7 miles or 1h 39m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 40m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Omaha, NE than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Kearney, NE so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Kearney, NE

This is one driving day of about 185.3 miles and 3h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Kearney, NE.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 179.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

seat of Lancaster County, and capital of the State of Nebraska, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lincoln, NE

93 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Lincoln, NE to Omaha, NE

57.7 mi · 1h 9m

Pacing Suggestions

Grand Island, NE

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lincoln, NE

Meal break

The midpoint is around 92.7 miles from Kearney, NE, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 179.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Monarch Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Omaha, Nebraska

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10 mile 185.3

Hours: 7–10 am

+14029910660

Visit website

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

La Vista, Nebraska

0.7 mi

Asli Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Omaha, Nebraska

0.4 mi

Monarch Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10 mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 7–10 am

+14029910660

Visit website

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.1

La Vista, Nebraska

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+14028964158

Visit website

Asli Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 8:30 am–8 pm

+14025102273

Visit website

Tixteco Mexican Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+14023159766

Visit website

Mercy Thai Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 185.3

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+17128284200

Visit website

Azteca | Family Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.1

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14028966766

Visit website

Greek Islands Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14023461528

Visit website

Abelardo's Mexican Fresh

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+14029998039

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 185.3

Omaha, NE

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.9 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 172.1

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 172.1

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 172.1

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 12–7 am

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

The Old Market

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–1:30 pm

+14023464445

Visit website

Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+14025996565

Visit website

Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+14025996565

Visit website

Museum Of Shadows

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 2–10 pm

+14028857557

Visit website

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 185.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+14026611804

Visit website

Big Apple Fun Center

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Kearney, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+13082344545

Visit website

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 158.8

Ashland, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14029442523

Visit website

Kearney Area Children's Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Kearney, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13086982228

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 184.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | West 24th Street

Turn right onto West 24th Street

Navigation decision point

5
2.7 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
182.2 mi into trip | ~3h 12m in

Take the exit toward I 480 North, US 75: Eppley Airfield, Downtown, Bellevue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 480 North, US 75: Eppley Airfield, Dow...
6
182.5 mi into trip | ~3h 12m in | Gerald R Ford Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto Gerald R Ford Expressway toward I 480 North, US 75 North: Eppley Airfield, Downtown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 480 North, US 75 North: Eppley Airfiel...
8
184.4 mi into trip | ~3h 15m in

Take the exit toward Harney Street, Dodge Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 2A Toward Harney Street, Dodge Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.97 one way

$57.94 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $31.81 $63.61
premium $4.89 $35.66 $71.32
diesel $5.61 $40.91 $81.82

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 64.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 55.6 0 $19.46 $8.89
Efficient EV 46.3 0 $16.21 $7.41
EV Truck/SUV 74.1 0 $25.94 $11.86

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Kearney, NE

Evening in Kearney on Saturday

Local time

8:18 PM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Omaha, NE

Evening in Omaha on Saturday

Local time

8:18 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

53°F

Lincoln, NE

93 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

27 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 17m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

The character of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 98% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 179.5 miles on I-80, which suggests a consistent pace and minimal need for frequent adjustments. This profile means you can expect a predictable driving experience, largely free from complex intersections or slower local roads. It's a route designed for covering ground efficiently, making it a practical choice for reaching Omaha from Kearney.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
10 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 179.5 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and 2nd Avenue. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West 24th Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 17m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (West 24th Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.7 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 182.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Omaha, NE

Full guide →

Omaha is the largest city in the US state of Nebraska, with about 486,000 residents in 2020. Tourist attractions in Omaha include history, sports, outdoors and cultural experiences. Its principal tourist attractions are the Henry Doorly Zoo and the Men's College World Series. The Old Market in Downtown Omaha is another major attraction and is important to the city's retail economy.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 17m. Total distance: 185.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 179.5 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through NE can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (West 24th Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.7 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 182.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Omaha, NE, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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