Trip from Chalco, NE to Lexington, NE

Q: What are the main roads on this route?

The main roads are I 80, Plum Creek Parkway, South 144th Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

Q: Is this a good same-day trip?

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Q: Where should I stop halfway?

The midpoint is about 104.1 miles from Chalco, NE. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

Q: How much does gas cost for this trip?

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $32.55 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Q: What is the best time to leave?

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Q: How many breaks should I plan?

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Q: What towns show up on signs driving from Chalco, NE to Lexington, NE?

The route from Chalco, NE to Lexington, NE does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

3h 38m

Distance

208.2 mi

335 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

16 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 26m ★

6 AM

3h 38m

8 AM

4h 3m

10 AM

3h 47m

12 PM

3h 45m

3 PM

3h 48m

5 PM

4h 2m

8 PM

3h 31m

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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Trip Overview

The drive from Chalco, NE to Lexington, NE covers 208.2 miles and takes about 3h 38m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 80, Plum Creek Parkway, South 144th Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 202.6 miles on I 80. At current regular gas prices, budget about $32.55 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

104.1 miles from Chalco, NE

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 38m. Total distance: 208.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 3h 38m highway drive covering 208.2 miles, with most of the trip on I 80 and Plum Creek Parkway. The longest continuous stretch is about 202.6 miles on I 80.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 80 is the longest continuous segment at about 202.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and Plum Creek Parkway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 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 3h 38m 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 1.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.5 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5

1.9 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward I 80 West: Lincoln

Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 80 West: Lincoln

5

2.5 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.

6

205.1 mi into trip | ~3h 32m in

Take the exit toward US 283: Lexington, Arapahoe

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

Exit 237 Toward US 283: Lexington, Arapahoe

6

205.5 mi into trip | ~3h 33m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 283 North: Lexington

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 237 Toward US 283 North: Lexington

5

207.9 mi into trip | ~3h 37m in | East 6th Street

Turn left onto East 6th Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 80	202.6 mi	3h 27m
Plum Creek Parkway	2.3 mi	3m
South 144th Street	1 mi	1m
Chandler Road	0.6 mi	2m
State Highway 50	0.2 mi	<1m
North Jackson Street	0.2 mi	<1m
East 6th Street	0.1 mi	<1m
North Washington Street	0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 80 — 202.6 mi, about 3h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chalco, NE and Lexington, NE.

1

Start on this road

79 ft · 11 sec · this road

2

Turn left onto Chandler Road

0.6 mi · 2 min · Chandler Road

3

Turn right onto N-50

0.2 mi · 23 sec · State Highway 50

4

Continue on N-50

1.0 mi · 1 min · South 144th Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

5

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 53 sec

Toward I 80 West: Lincoln Use the slight right lane.

6

Merge onto I 80

203 mi · 3 hr 27 min · I 80

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 34 sec

Exit 237 Toward US 283: Lexington, Arapahoe

8

Keep slight right at fork

178 ft · 6 sec

Exit 237 Toward US 283 North: Lexington

9

Turn straight onto US 283

2.3 mi · 3 min · Plum Creek Parkway

Use the straight lane.

10

Continue on US 283

0.2 mi · 20 sec · North Jackson Street

11

Turn left onto East 6th Street

0.1 mi · 22 sec · East 6th Street

12

Turn right onto North Washington Street

0.1 mi · 20 sec · North Washington Street

13

Arrive at destination

North Washington Street

Trip Plan

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 104.1 miles from Chalco, NE, or about 1h 49m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 202.6 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 46 miles or 50m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 104.1 miles or 1h 49m 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 57m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Chalco, 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 Chalco, NE

This is one driving day of about 208.2 miles and 3h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Chalco, 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 202.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 104.1 mi from Chalco, NE · 1h 49m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Aurora, NE

104 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

Lincoln, NE

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Aurora, NE

Meal break

The midpoint is around 104.1 miles from Chalco, 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 202.6 miles.

Arriving in Lexington, NE

The final approach into Lexington, NE usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Lexington, NE.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

Azteca | Family Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Omaha, Nebraska

Near the start, short detour

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

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14028966766

Visit website

La Mesa Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Omaha, Nebraska

1.6 mi

DISH Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lincoln, Nebraska

2.5 mi

Azteca | Family Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14028966766

Visit website

La Mesa Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14027632555

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 44.6

Lincoln, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+14024772058

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 12–7 am

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 29.7

Waverly, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.9 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 208.2

Lexington, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13083246329

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.55 one way

$65.10 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$35.74	$71.48
premium	$4.89	$40.07	$80.13
diesel	$5.61	$45.97	$91.94

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

16 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

ChargePoint Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

EVgo Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

EVgo

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Electrify America Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

Electrify America

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Waverly, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Blink Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

Blink

1 DCFC

ChargePoint: 11 Blink: 2 EVgo: 1 Electrify America: 1 EV Connect: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	62.5	0	$21.86	$9.99
Efficient EV	52.1	0	$18.22	$8.33
EV Truck/SUV	83.3	1	$29.15	$13.32

Gas CO2

73 kg

EV CO2

24 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 15, 2026

Origin

Chalco, NE

Night in Chalco on Thursday

Local time

9:42 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lexington, NE

Night in Lexington on Thursday

Local time

9:42 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

79°F

Aurora, NE

104 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

32 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

3h 38m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Chalco, NE to Lexington, NE covers 208.2 miles and takes about 3h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 80, Plum Creek Parkway, South 144th Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 104.1 miles from Chalco, NE. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $32.55 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This is a straightforward 3h 38m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.5 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

The route from Chalco, NE to Lexington, NE does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Trip from Chalco, NE to Lexington, NE

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Lexington, NE

Nearby Places

Azteca | Family Mexican Restaurant

Azteca | Family Mexican Restaurant

La Mesa Mexican Restaurant

DISH Restaurant

Runza Restaurant

Shoemakers Restaurant

Billy's

Fattoush Restaurant/مطعم فتوش

Pho Nguyenn Vietnamese Restaurant

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

EVgo Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Electrify America Charging Station

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall

Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Chalco, NE

Lexington, NE

Same local time

32 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 38m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

Continue From Lexington, NE

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