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Trip from Wood River, 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

2h 50m

Distance

157.5 mi

254 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 39m ★
6 AM
2h 50m
8 AM
3h 12m
10 AM
2h 58m
12 PM
2h 56m
3 PM
2h 59m
5 PM
3h 11m
8 PM
2h 44m

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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Downtown Wood River, NE, NE

Wood River, NE

Александр Ершков

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

Omaha, NE

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 157.5-mile drive from Wood River, NE, to Omaha, NE, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-80, making it a highway-focused experience through the heart of the Great Plains. With a projected fuel cost of around $25, this route offers an economical way to travel between these two Nebraska locations. Given its relatively short duration and focus on major roadways, it's an efficient journey for those looking to get from point A to point B 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

78.8 miles from Wood River, NE

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 25m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 146.5 mi 2h 33m
West Schultz Road 5.1 mi 6m
Gerald R Ford Expressway 2 mi 2m
South Alda Road 1.2 mi 1m
Highway 30 0.7 mi 1m
Harney Street 0.7 mi 2m
Elm Street 0.6 mi <1m
East Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 146.5 mi, about 2h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on East Street

21 ft · 8 sec · East Street
2

Turn right onto US 30; I 80 Alt

0.7 mi · 1 min · Highway 30
3

Turn right onto Elm Street

0.6 mi · 54 sec · Elm Street
4

Turn left onto West Schultz Road

5.1 mi · 6 min · West Schultz Road
5

At end of road, turn right onto L-40C; I 80 Alt

1.2 mi · 1 min · South Alda Road
6

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 80 east
7

Merge onto I 80

147 mi · 2 hr 33 min · I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 480 North, US 75: Eppley Airfield, Downtown, Bellevue
9

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
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Exit 2A Toward Harney Street, Dodge Street Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Turn right onto Harney Street

0.7 mi · 2 min · Harney Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Arrive at destination

Harney Street

Trip Plan

Since this drive is under 3 hours, you have the flexibility to leave whenever it suits you best, but an early start can help you arrive in Omaha with plenty of the day remaining. You'll only need to plan for one primary stop, which could be a good opportunity to refuel or grab a quick bite. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the long 146.5-mile stretch on I-80, as services can be spaced out. A practical tip: check your tire pressure before you leave Wood River, as consistent highway speeds can impact it, and you want to ensure optimal performance for this 157.5-mile trip.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 78.8 miles from Wood River, NE, or about 1h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 146.5 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 35 miles or 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 78.8 miles or 1h 25m 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 18m

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 Wood River, 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 Wood River, NE

This is one driving day of about 157.5 miles and 2h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Wood River, 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 146.5 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

79 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

York, NE

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lincoln, NE

Meal break

The midpoint is around 78.8 miles from Wood River, 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 146.5 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 157.5

Hours: 7–10 am

+14029910660

Visit website

Astoria Biryani House Indian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Omaha, Nebraska

0.8 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 157.5

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 7–10 am

+14029910660

Visit website

Astoria Biryani House Indian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 146.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+14029345054

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 157.5

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 8:30 am–8 pm

+14025102273

Visit website

Runza Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 146.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+14023311727

Visit website

Tixteco Mexican Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 157.5

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 157.5

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+17128284200

Visit website

Greek Islands Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 157.5

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14023461528

Visit website

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 146.3

La Vista, Nebraska

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+14028964158

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 157.5

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 135

Gretna, 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 157.5

Omaha, NE

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 157.5

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 146.3

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 157.5

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 157.5

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.9 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 146.3

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 157.5

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 157.5

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 157.5

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 157.5

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 157.5

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+14026611804

Visit website

University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 101.3

Lincoln, Nebraska

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+14024722637

Visit website

Edgerton Explorit Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 33.8

Aurora, Nebraska

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+14026944032

Visit website

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 123.8

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 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 7.6 and 156.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
7.6 mi into trip | ~11m in

Take the ramp toward I 80 east

Navigation decision point

Toward I 80 east
5
7.9 mi into trip | ~11m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
154.4 mi into trip | ~2h 44m 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
154.7 mi into trip | ~2h 45m 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
156.7 mi into trip | ~2h 47m 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

$24.62 one way

$49.25 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.04 $54.07
premium $4.89 $30.31 $60.62
diesel $5.61 $34.77 $69.55

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.3 0 $16.54 $7.56
Efficient EV 39.4 0 $13.78 $6.30
EV Truck/SUV 63 0 $22.05 $10.08

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

18 kg (67% 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

Wood River, NE

Late night in Wood River on Sunday

Local time

1:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Omaha, NE

Late night in Omaha on Sunday

Local time

1:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

53°F

Lincoln, NE

79 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

2h 50m 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?

Expect a highway-intensive experience, with 95% of the journey taking place on major roads like I-80. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 146.5 miles on I-80, indicating long periods of consistent driving. This profile suggests a drive characterized by efficiency rather than winding scenic byways. You'll transition from the open landscapes of the western Great Plains to the more developed areas approaching Omaha, with West Schultz Road and Gerald R Ford Expressway marking the approach to your destination.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 146.5 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and West Schultz Road. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 7.6 miles in.

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 2h 50m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 7.6 miles: Navigation decision point; at 7.9 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 154.4 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 2h 50m. Total distance: 157.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 146.5 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 7.6 miles: Navigation decision point; at 7.9 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 154.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Omaha, NE before heading back.

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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