Origin
Hastings, NE
Morning in Hastings on Saturday
Local time
7:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hastings, NE to Ainsworth, NE
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 49m
Distance
189.1 mi
304 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
10 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 36m
★
6 AM
3h 49m
8 AM
4h 15m
10 AM
3h 58m
12 PM
3h 56m
3 PM
3h 59m
5 PM
4h 13m
8 PM
3h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hastings, NE
Wikimedia Commons
Ainsworth, NE
cottonbro studio
Trip Overview
Hastings to Ainsworth is 189.1 miles and takes about 3h 49m via Highway 11, Highway 183, and Highway 96, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward journey across Nebraska. Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience with minimal deviations. It's a solid option for a single-day trip if you're looking for a practical, no-fuss drive connecting these two points in the state. Consider it a good choice if you value efficiency over extensive sightseeing.
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
94.6 miles from Hastings, NE
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 56m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 49m. Total distance: 189.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
This route is a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the journey on main roads. You'll spend most of your time on Highways 11, 183, and 96, experiencing the open feel of the Great Plains. The longest stretch without a significant turn or interruption is 49.9 miles along Highway 11. The character of the drive is consistent, offering a clear path with predictable road conditions. It's designed for steady progress, not for winding through diverse landscapes.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Highway 11 is the longest continuous segment at about 49.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Highway 11 and Highway 183. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 34; US 281 / North Burlington Avenue.
Driving Effort
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from Hastings, NE to Ainsworth, NE is easy. At 3h 49m with 97% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (US 34; US 281 / North Burlington Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 52.6 miles (N-11 / Highway 11): Navigation decision point; at 88.4 miles (N-11; N-70 / L Street): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 34; US 281 / North Burlington Avenue
Turn right onto US 34; US 281 / North Burlington Avenue
Navigation decision point
4
52.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 5m in
|
N-11 / Highway 11
Turn right onto N-11 / Highway 11
Navigation decision point
4
88.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 48m in
|
N-11; N-70 / L Street
Turn left onto N-11; N-70 / L Street
Navigation decision point
4
89.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 50m in
|
N-11 / Highway 11
Turn right onto N-11 / Highway 11
Navigation decision point
5
125.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 34m in
|
US 183 / Highway 183
At end of road, turn right onto US 183 / Highway 183
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Highway 11 | 49.9 mi | 58m |
| Highway 183 | 46.5 mi | 53m |
| Highway 96 | 19.5 mi | 24m |
| North Highway 281 | 18.7 mi | 20m |
| US Highway 281 | 13.1 mi | 14m |
| Highway 281 | 13 mi | 18m |
| US Highway 20 | 8.5 mi | 10m |
| Highway 20 | 7.5 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
Highway 11
— 49.9 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hastings, NE and Ainsworth, NE.
1
Start on US 6 Business
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
West 3rd Street
2
Turn right onto US 34; US 281
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Burlington Avenue
3
Continue on US 34; US 281
6.8 mi
·
9 min
·
Highway 281
4
Continue on US 34; US 281
13 mi
·
14 min
·
US Highway 281
5
Continue on US 281; N-2; I 80 Alt
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Highway 281
6
Continue on US 281
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Highway 281
7
Turn left onto US 281
19 mi
·
20 min
·
North Highway 281
8
Continue on US 281; N-92
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
2nd Street
9
Turn left onto N-92
5.5 mi
·
7 min
·
Highway 92
10
Turn right onto N-11
23 mi
·
26 min
·
Highway 11
11
Continue on N-11
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
1st Street
12
Continue on N-11
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Highway 11
13
Continue on N-11
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
South 14th Street
14
Turn left onto N-11; N-70
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
L Street
15
Turn right onto N-11
15 mi
·
17 min
·
Highway 11
16
Turn left onto N-91
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway 91
17
Turn right onto N-96
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
·
Highway 96
18
Continue on N-96
0.5 mi
·
47 sec
·
South 13th Avenue
19
Turn slight left onto N-96
19 mi
·
23 min
·
Highway 96
20
At end of road, turn right onto US 183
47 mi
·
53 min
·
Highway 183
21
Turn left onto US 20; US 183; N-7
7.5 mi
·
8 min
·
Highway 20
22
Continue on US 20; US 183; N-7
8.5 mi
·
10 min
·
US Highway 20
23
Continue on US 20; N-7
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East 4th Street
24
Turn right onto North Main Street
41 ft
·
1 sec
·
North Main Street
25
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 49m duration and 189.1-mile distance, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart Hastings in the morning to maximize daylight. With only one suggested stop and a fuel cost estimate of $30, you can plan your expenditures accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 49.9-mile stretch on Highway 11, as services might be spaced out in this region. This is a drive where you can be quite flexible with your timing due to its manageable length.
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 94.6 miles from Hastings, NE, or about 1h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 49.9 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 42 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.6 miles or 1h 56m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ainsworth, NE than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hastings, 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 Hastings, NE
This is one driving day of about 189.1 miles and 3h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Hastings, 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 Highway 11 for about 49.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 94.6 mi from Hastings, NE · 1h 56m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
95 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 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 94.6 miles from Hastings, NE, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Ainsworth, NE
The final approach into Ainsworth, 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 Ainsworth, NE.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.56 one way
$59.13 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
66 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $32.46 | $64.92 |
| premium | $4.89 | $36.39 | $72.78 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $41.75 | $83.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
10 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Bosselman Travel Center - Tesla Supercharger
Grand Island, NE
Tesla
8 DCFC
Hastings Ford
Hastings, NE
EV Connect
4 DCFC
Grand Island Quality Inn (Grand Island, NE)
Grand Island, NE
Electrify America
4 DCFC
Grand Island Motor Company
GRAND ISLAND, NE
EV Connect
3 DCFC
Jerry Spady Chevrolet GMC
Hastings, NE
EV Connect
1 DCFC
GIMC HYUNDAI EAST DETAIL
Grand Island, NE
ChargePoint Network
1 DCFC
GIMC HYUNDAI WEST DETAIL
Grand Island, NE
ChargePoint Network
1 DCFC
RUSS'S MARKET STATION 2
Grand Island, NE
ChargePoint Network
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Network: 5
EV Connect: 3
Electrify America: 1
Tesla: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 56.7 | 0 | $19.86 | $9.08 |
| Efficient EV | 47.3 | 0 | $16.55 | $7.56 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 75.6 | 0 | $26.47 | $12.10 |
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 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.
Destination
Ainsworth, NE
Morning in Ainsworth on Saturday
Local time
7:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
1 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 49m 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 Hastings, NE to Ainsworth, NE covers 189.1 miles and takes about 3h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Highway 11, Highway 183, Highway 96. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 94.6 miles from Hastings, NE. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.56 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.
The drive from Hastings, NE to Ainsworth, NE is easy. At 3h 49m with 97% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (US 34; US 281 / North Burlington Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 52.6 miles (N-11 / Highway 11): Navigation decision point; at 88.4 miles (N-11; N-70 / L Street): Navigation decision point.
The route from Hastings, NE to Ainsworth, NE does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NREL for EV charging. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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