Grand Island Rest Area Eastbound
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Lincoln, NE to Gordon, NE
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 35m
Distance
392.8 mi
632 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$66
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 26m
★
6 AM
7h 36m
8 AM
7h 55m
10 AM
7h 43m
12 PM
7h 41m
3 PM
7h 44m
5 PM
7h 54m
8 PM
7h 30m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lincoln, NE
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Lincoln, NE to Gordon, NE is 392.8 miles and takes about 7h 35m via Highway 2 and I 80, with a fuel budget near $61 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Nebraska, traversing the Great Plains region from the state capital west. You'll spend most of your time on highways, making for a straightforward drive. With only 2 recommended stops and a longest stretch of 150 miles, it's a good option for a single day of driving across the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
196.4 miles from Lincoln, NE
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Highway 2 | 150 mi | 2h 53m |
| I 80 | 84.6 mi | 1h 27m |
| Southwest 1st Street | 66.6 mi | 1h 19m |
| State Highway 27 | 53.6 mi | 1h 1m |
| West Highway 2 | 15.7 mi | 18m |
| US Highway 281 | 4.5 mi | 5m |
| Highway 281 | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| West Nebraska Highway 2 | 2.7 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Highway 2
— 150 mi, about 2h 53m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 56 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,057 veh/hr typical · worst 1,498
Quietest
2 AM
~131 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 98 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lincoln, NE and Gordon, NE.
1
Start on B Street
305 ft
·
15 sec
·
B Street
2
Turn left onto South 37th Street
337 ft
·
16 sec
·
South 37th Street
3
Turn right onto A Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
A Street
4
Turn slight right onto Capitol Parkway
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Capitol Parkway
5
Continue on L Street
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
L Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
Continue on Rosa Parks Way
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Rosa Parks Way
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward US 77 north, To I 80
8
Merge onto US 77
0.8 mi
·
57 sec
·
Homestead Expressway
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 80 West: Grand Island
10
Merge onto I 80
85 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
I 80
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward US 34, US 281: Grand Island, Hastings
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward US 34, US 281: Grand Island, Hastings
13
Merge onto US 34; US 281; I 80 Alt
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
US Highway 281
14
Continue on US 281; N-2; I 80 Alt
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Highway 281
15
Take the exit onto N-2
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
N-2
Toward NE 2 West: Broken Bow
16
Continue on N-2
16 mi
·
18 min
·
West Highway 2
17
Continue on N-2
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
West Nebraska Highway 2
18
Continue on N-2
58 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
Highway 2
19
Continue on N-2; N-92
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South E Street
20
Continue on N-2; N-92
67 mi
·
1 hr 17 min
·
Highway 2
21
Continue on N-2
0.7 mi
·
44 sec
·
Court Street
22
Continue on N-2
25 mi
·
29 min
·
Highway 2
23
Continue on N-2
67 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
Southwest 1st Street
24
Turn right onto N-27
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
Main Street
25
Continue on N-27
54 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
State Highway 27
26
Continue on N-27
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
27
Arrive at destination
N-27
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7.5-hour drive, aim for an early morning departure from Lincoln. This allows ample time to reach Gordon before evening and provides flexibility should you encounter any unexpected delays. With 2 stops planned, consider breaking up the drive roughly in half, perhaps around the 3.5 to 4-hour mark. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, particularly during the 150-mile stretch on Highway 2, as services can be spread out in this part of Nebraska. Your estimated fuel cost is around $61.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 196.4 miles from Lincoln, NE, or about 3h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 150 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 86 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 196.4 miles or 3h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gordon, NE than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lincoln, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lincoln, NE
This is one driving day of about 392.8 miles and 7h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 86 miles from Lincoln, NE.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Highway 2 for about 150 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
196 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 86 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 196.4 miles from Lincoln, NE, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Highway 2 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 150 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
York Rest Area Eastbound
0.1 mi from route
Blue River Rest Area Eastbound
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
York Rest Area Westbound
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Sapp Brothers Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 91.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
South 37th Street
Turn left onto South 37th Street
Navigation decision point
5
4.5 mi into trip
|
~9m in
Take the exit toward US 77 north, To I 80
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 77 north, To I 80
5
5.6 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 80 West: Grand Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 80 West: Grand Island
5
91 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m in
Take the exit toward US 34, US 281: Grand Island, Hastings
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 34, US 281: Grand Island, Hastings
7
91.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 34, US 281: Grand Island, Hastings
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 34, US 281: Grand Island, Hastings
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$65.52 one way
$131.05 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
137 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $71.21 | $142.43 |
| premium | $5.26 | $81.33 | $162.66 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $95.56 | $191.11 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$66
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 137.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 117.8 | 1 | $41.24 | $18.85 |
| Efficient EV | 98.2 | 1 | $34.37 | $15.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 157.1 | 1 | $54.99 | $25.14 |
Gas CO2
137 kg
EV CO2
46 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Origin
Lincoln, NE
Morning in Lincoln on Saturday
Local time
10:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
32°F
Widespread Frost
SSW 2 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:54AM CDT until October 17 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS North Platte NE
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 2:49AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Sioux Falls SD
Destination
Gordon, NE
Morning in Gordon on Saturday
Local time
9:45 AM
MDT
Current temp
34°F
Clear
SW 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:54AM CDT until October 17 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS North Platte NE
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 2:49AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Sioux Falls SD
74°F
Eddyville, NE
196 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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 35m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway cruising, with 81% of the route on high-speed roads. You'll encounter a single stretch of 150 miles on Highway 2, offering uninterrupted driving. The route begins on I 80 before transitioning to Highway 2. Expect a rural cruising feel for much of the trip, with fewer exits and more open road, especially after leaving the interstate.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 150 mi on Highway 2.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Highway 2 and I 80. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near South 37th Street.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 392.8 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (South 37th Street): Navigation decision point; at 4.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,936 ft
1,197 ft
Total Climb
2,739 ft
Total Descent
379 ft
Highest Point
3,936 ft
~336.7 mi in
Elevation Range
2,739 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Lincoln, NE to Gordon, NE, road signs begin pointing toward Hastings along the way.
Hastings
91 mi in
|
~1h 41m
About the Cities
Starting in Lincoln, NE
Full guide →“Star City” · Founded 1856
Lincoln is the capital and second largest city of Nebraska, U.S. As the state capital, it offers several historical sites, as well as museums, art galleries, and other cultural venues.
Top landmarks
- • Nebraska State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Nebraska
- • Sheldon Museum of Art — art museum in Lincoln, Nebraska
- • Lincoln Liberty Life Insurance Building — historic building in Lincoln, Nebraska
Arriving in Gordon, NE
Full guide →Founded 1885
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 7h 35m. Total distance: 392.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 35m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 150 miles on Highway 2. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 9 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Gordon, NE before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 2 meaningful breaks. There are 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 0.1 miles (South 37th Street): Navigation decision point; at 4.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.6 hours each way, a round trip means 15.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Gordon, NE before the return drive.
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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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