Origin
Imperial, NE
Late night in Imperial on Wednesday
Local time
4:33 AM
MDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Imperial, NE to Lincoln, NE
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
5h 40m
Distance
292.9 mi
471 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 28m
★
6 AM
5h 41m
8 AM
6h 7m
10 AM
5h 50m
12 PM
5h 48m
3 PM
5h 52m
5 PM
6h 6m
8 PM
5h 33m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Imperial, NE
Enrique
Lincoln, NE
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Imperial, NE to Lincoln, NE covers 292.9 miles and takes about 5h 40m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 80, Highway 6 & 34, Highway 6 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 124 miles on I 80. At current regular gas prices, budget about $45.79 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
146.4 miles from Imperial, NE
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This is a 5h 40m highway drive covering 292.9 miles, with most of the trip on I 80 and Highway 6 & 34. The longest continuous stretch is about 124 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 40 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 124 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and Highway 6 & 34. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 6 / Broadway Street.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 5h 40m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 6 / Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 286.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 288 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 6 / Broadway Street
Turn right onto US 6 / Broadway Street
Navigation decision point
6
286.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 28m in
Take the exit toward US 77 South, To NE 2: Beatrice, Nebraska City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 397
Toward US 77 South, To NE 2: Beatrice, Nebraska...
6
288 mi into trip
|
~5h 30m in
Take the exit toward Rosa Parks Way
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Rosa Parks Way
7
288.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Rosa Parks Way, Downtown Lincoln
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Rosa Parks Way, Downtown Lincoln
5
292.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 40m in
|
B Street
Turn right onto B Street
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 124 mi | 2h 7m |
| Highway 6 & 34 | 54.8 mi | 1h 4m |
| Highway 6 | 45.9 mi | 53m |
| US Highway 6 & 34 | 18.9 mi | 22m |
| N-44 | 12.6 mi | 14m |
| Nasby Street | 8.6 mi | 11m |
| Highway 34 | 7.3 mi | 8m |
| 736 Road | 3 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 124 mi, about 2h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Imperial, NE and Lincoln, NE.
1
Start on West 6th Street
34 ft
·
3 sec
·
West 6th Street
2
Turn right onto US 6
0.3 mi
·
53 sec
·
Broadway Street
3
Turn left onto US 6
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East 1st Street
4
Continue on US 6; N-61
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Highway 6
5
Continue on US 6; N-61
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
736 Road
6
Continue on US 6; N-61
0.5 mi
·
34 sec
·
Highway 6
7
Continue on US 6; N-61
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
338 Avenue
8
Continue on US 6; N-61
38 mi
·
44 min
·
Highway 6
9
At end of road, turn left onto US 6; US 34
7.3 mi
·
8 min
·
Highway 34
10
Continue on US 6; US 34
6.4 mi
·
7 min
·
Highway 6 & 34
11
Continue on US 6; US 34; US 83
2.3 mi
·
6 min
·
West B Street
12
Continue on US 6; US 34
9.8 mi
·
11 min
·
Highway 6 & 34
13
Continue on US 6; US 34
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
D Street
14
Continue on US 6; US 34
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Highway 6 & 34
15
Continue on US 6; US 34
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Maple Street
16
Continue on US 6; US 34
6.8 mi
·
8 min
·
Highway 6 & 34
17
Continue on US 6; US 34
8.6 mi
·
11 min
·
Nasby Street
18
Continue on US 6; US 34
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
6 & 34 Highway Street
19
Continue on US 6; US 34
5.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Highway 6 & 34
20
Continue on US 6; US 34
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Chestnut Street
21
Continue on US 6; US 34
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Highway 6 & 34
22
Continue on US 6; US 34
9.2 mi
·
11 min
·
US Highway 6 & 34
23
Continue on US 6; US 34
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
West 4th Avenue
24
Continue on US 6; US 34
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
4th Avenue
25
Continue on US 6; US 34
9.6 mi
·
11 min
·
US Highway 6 & 34
26
Continue on US 6; US 34
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Highway 6
27
Turn left onto N-44
13 mi
·
14 min
·
N-44
28
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 80 East
29
Merge onto I 80
124 mi
·
2 hr 7 min
·
I 80
30
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 397
Toward US 77 South, To NE 2: Beatrice, Nebraska City
31
Continue on US 77
0.7 mi
·
55 sec
·
Homestead Expressway
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward Rosa Parks Way
Use the slight right lane.
33
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward Rosa Parks Way, Downtown Lincoln
34
Turn slight left onto Rosa Parks Way
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Rosa Parks Way
35
Continue on K Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
K Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
36
Continue on Capitol Parkway
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Capitol Parkway
Use the straight lane.
37
Turn left onto A Street
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
A Street
38
Turn left onto South 37th Street
337 ft
·
17 sec
·
South 37th Street
39
Turn right onto B Street
305 ft
·
10 sec
·
B Street
40
Arrive at destination
B 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 146.4 miles from Imperial, NE, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 124 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 80 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.4 miles or 3h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lincoln, NE than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Imperial, 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 Imperial, NE
This is one driving day of about 292.9 miles and 5h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Imperial, 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 124 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 146.4 mi from Imperial, NE · 3h 1m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
146 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 146.4 miles from Imperial, NE, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 124 miles.
Arriving in Lincoln, NE
The final approach into Lincoln, 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 Lincoln, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.79 one way
$91.58 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
103 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $50.28 | $100.55 |
| premium | $4.89 | $56.37 | $112.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $64.67 | $129.34 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 87.9 | 1 | $30.75 | $14.06 |
| Efficient EV | 73.2 | 0 | $25.63 | $11.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 117.2 | 1 | $41.01 | $18.75 |
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Lincoln, NE
Late night in Lincoln on Wednesday
Local time
5:33 AM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
80°F
Hastings, NE
146 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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
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
5h 40m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Imperial, NE to Lincoln, NE covers 292.9 miles and takes about 5h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, Highway 6 & 34, Highway 6. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 146.4 miles from Imperial, NE. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.79 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a straightforward 5h 40m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 6 / Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 286.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 288 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Imperial, NE to Lincoln, NE does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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