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Trip from La Vista, NE to Cozad, 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 58m

Distance

226.6 mi

365 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 46m ★
6 AM
3h 59m
8 AM
4h 24m
10 AM
4h 8m
12 PM
4h 5m
3 PM
4h 9m
5 PM
4h 23m
8 PM
3h 51m

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 Sarpy County, Nebraska, United States

La Vista, NE

Wikimedia Commons

city in Nebraska

Cozad, NE

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 226.6-mile drive from La Vista, NE to Cozad, NE is a straightforward 1-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes to complete. Navigating primarily local roads like Park View Boulevard, South 84th Street, and Harrison Street, this route offers a more connected feel to the landscape rather than a high-speed transit. With a projected fuel cost of around $34, it's an economical option for exploring the Great Plains region. The drive is best suited for those who prefer a more involved, turn-heavy experience over the efficiency of interstate travel.

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

113.3 miles from La Vista, NE

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 219.7 mi 3h 44m
Harrison Street 3.6 mi 6m
South Meridian Avenue 0.6 mi 1m
Park View Boulevard 0.5 mi 1m
State Highway 21 0.3 mi <1m
Giles Road 0.3 mi <1m
Lillian Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
East 8th Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 219.7 mi, about 3h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between La Vista, NE and Cozad, NE.

1

Start on Lillian Avenue

0.2 mi · 55 sec · Lillian Avenue
2

At end of road, turn right onto Park View Boulevard

0.5 mi · 1 min · Park View Boulevard
3

Turn right onto N-85

0.2 mi · 20 sec · South 84th Street
4

Turn left onto Harrison Street

3.6 mi · 6 min · Harrison Street
5

Turn left onto Giles Road

0.3 mi · 28 sec · Giles Road
Use the left lane.
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 42 sec
Toward I 80 West
7

Merge onto I 80

220 mi · 3 hr 44 min · I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 32 sec
Exit 222 Toward NE 21: Cozad
9

Keep slight right at fork

159 ft · 5 sec
Toward NE 21 North: Cozad
10

Turn straight onto N-21

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Meridian Avenue
11

Continue on N-21

0.3 mi · 39 sec · State Highway 21
12

Continue on N-21

433 ft · 21 sec · E Street
13

Turn left onto N-21

0.2 mi · 38 sec · East 8th Street
Use the left lane.
14

Turn right onto H Street

67 ft · 2 sec · H Street
15

Arrive at destination

H Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 58-minute duration, this drive is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to allow ample time for any unscheduled stops or to simply enjoy the local scenery. With only one recommended stop, you have a lot of flexibility. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially since you'll be on local roads for the entire 226.6 miles. A good tip is to familiarize yourself with the sequence of main roads – Park View Boulevard, South 84th Street, and Harrison Street – before you set off to make navigation smoother.

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 113.3 miles from La Vista, NE, or about 2h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 219.7 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 50 miles or 56m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 113.3 miles or 2h in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 15m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving La Vista, 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 La Vista, NE

This is one driving day of about 226.6 miles and 3h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from La Vista, 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 219.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Aurora, NE, NE

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Aurora, NE

113 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Waverly, NE

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Aurora, NE

Meal break

The midpoint is around 113.3 miles from La Vista, 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 219.7 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

Vietnamese restaurant lavista

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

La Vista, Nebraska

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: Closed

+14029918998

Visit website

Lina's Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

La Vista, Nebraska

0.7 mi

Thai Orchids Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

La Vista, Nebraska

0.9 mi

Vietnamese restaurant lavista

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

La Vista, Nebraska

Hours: Closed

+14029918998

Visit website

Lina's Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

La Vista, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14025921332

Visit website

Thai Orchids Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

La Vista, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+14025926877

Visit website

Maria's Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Ralston, Nebraska

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+14025923623

Visit website

Korea Garden Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Ralston, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14025054089

Visit website

La Mesa Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Papillion, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14025930983

Visit website

Runza Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Papillion, Nebraska

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+14025969805

Visit website

Margarita's

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+14023937515

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 16.2

Gretna, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Papillion, NE

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 32.4

Waverly, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.9 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 16.2

Gretna, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 210.4

Lexington, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13083246329

Visit website

University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 48.6

Lincoln, Nebraska

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+14024722637

Visit website

Big Apple Fun Center

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 178.1

Kearney, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+13082344545

Visit website

Edgerton Explorit Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 113.3

Aurora, Nebraska

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+14026944032

Visit website

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 16.2

Ashland, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14029442523

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 226.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | Park View Boulevard

At end of road, turn right onto Park View Boulevard

Navigation decision point

5
5.3 mi into trip | ~10m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
225 mi into trip | ~3h 55m in

Take the exit toward NE 21: Cozad

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 222 Toward NE 21: Cozad
5
225.4 mi into trip | ~3h 55m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NE 21 North: Cozad

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward NE 21 North: Cozad
7
226.4 mi into trip | ~3h 57m in | N-21 / East 8th Street

Turn left onto N-21 / East 8th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.43 one way

$70.85 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 79 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $38.90 $77.79
premium $4.89 $43.61 $87.21
diesel $5.61 $50.03 $100.06

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 79.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 68 0 $23.79 $10.88
Efficient EV 56.7 0 $19.83 $9.06
EV Truck/SUV 90.6 1 $31.72 $14.50

Gas CO2

79 kg

EV CO2

27 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

La Vista, NE

Evening in La Vista on Saturday

Local time

8:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Sunny

SSW 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Cozad, NE

Evening in Cozad on Saturday

Local time

8:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

79°F

Aurora, NE

113 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 58m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the entirety of this 226.6-mile journey, as there's no highway share. This means you'll be engaging with the road more, with frequent intersections and changes in direction as you make your way across Nebraska. While the longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, the 'turn-heavy' profile suggests a consistent need for attention and navigation. This route is less about covering ground quickly and more about the experience of local travel through the Great Plains.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 219.7 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and Harrison Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near Park View Boulevard.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 58m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (Park View Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 5.3 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 225 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 58m. Total distance: 226.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 219.7 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: at 0.2 miles (Park View Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 5.3 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 225 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Cozad, 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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