Origin
Kearney, NE
Evening in Kearney on Sunday
Local time
5:19 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Kearney, NE to Cozad, NE
Drive Time
58m
Distance
53.6 mi
86 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 54m
★
6 AM
0h 58m
8 AM
1h 8m
10 AM
1h 2m
12 PM
1h 1m
3 PM
1h 2m
5 PM
1h 7m
8 PM
0h 56m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kearney, NE
Jean-Rene Chazottes
Cozad, NE
Vladimir Srajber
Trip Overview
If you are looking to travel from Kearney to Cozad, you are looking at a quick 53.6-mile trek across the Nebraska Great Plains. This straightforward journey takes roughly 58 minutes, making it an ideal candidate for a simple day trip that requires no overnight stay. You will spend about $8 on fuel for the trip, keeping costs very low for your budget. Because the route stays within the heart of the Great Plains, you can expect a consistent landscape throughout the hour-long drive. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick change of scenery, the simplicity of this connection makes it an easy addition to your schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
26.8 miles from Kearney, NE
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 29m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highly efficient, highway-focused experience as you navigate between these two Nebraska towns. Roughly 93% of your time will be spent on major roads, with I-80 serving as the backbone of your journey. You will settle into a long, uninterrupted stretch of 49.5 miles on the interstate, allowing for a steady and predictable pace. Transitions from local streets like 2nd Avenue and South Meridian Avenue onto the highway are quick, meaning you spend very little time dealing with stop-and-go traffic. It is a no-nonsense drive designed for speed and convenience rather than winding, technical maneuvers.
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 49.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and 2nd Avenue. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West 24th Street.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 58m drive. You will face about 7 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 (West 24th Street): Navigation decision point; at 52 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 52.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 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
|
West 24th Street
Turn right onto West 24th Street
Navigation decision point
5
52 mi into trip
|
~54m in
Take the exit toward NE 21: Cozad
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 222
Toward NE 21: Cozad
5
52.3 mi into trip
|
~55m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NE 21 North: Cozad
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward NE 21 North: Cozad
7
53.3 mi into trip
|
~57m in
|
N-21 / East 8th Street
Turn left onto N-21 / East 8th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
53.6 mi into trip
|
~58m in
|
H Street
Turn right onto H Street
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 49.5 mi | 49m |
| 2nd Avenue | 1.9 mi | 4m |
| South Meridian Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| State Highway 21 | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| East 8th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| West 24th Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| E Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| H Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 49.5 mi, about 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney, NE and Cozad, NE.
1
Start on Central Avenue
51 ft
·
3 sec
·
Central Avenue
2
Turn right onto West 24th Street
0.1 mi
·
32 sec
·
West 24th Street
3
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
2nd Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward I 80 West
5
Merge onto I 80
49 mi
·
49 min
·
I 80
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 222
Toward NE 21: Cozad
7
Keep slight right at fork
159 ft
·
5 sec
Toward NE 21 North: Cozad
8
Turn straight onto N-21
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Meridian Avenue
9
Continue on N-21
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
State Highway 21
10
Continue on N-21
433 ft
·
21 sec
·
E Street
11
Turn left onto N-21
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
East 8th Street
Use the left lane.
12
Turn right onto H Street
67 ft
·
2 sec
·
H Street
13
Arrive at destination
H Street
Trip Plan
Since the trip is under an hour, you have significant flexibility with your departure time, though traveling during daylight hours is always recommended for better visibility on the interstate. You likely will not need to plan for any formal stops, as the 53.6-mile distance is easily manageable in one sitting. However, keep in mind that with zero planned stops, you should ensure your tank is ready for the $8 estimated fuel expenditure before you merge onto I-80. Use the quick duration to your advantage by checking your traffic apps right before you leave Kearney to ensure the highway is clear. Staying aware of your surroundings on the long 49.5-mile interstate stretch is the best way to ensure a smooth arrival in Cozad.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 26.8 miles from Kearney, NE, or about 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 49.5 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 53.6 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 26.8 miles or 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cozad, NE than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kearney, 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 Kearney, NE
This is one driving day of about 53.6 miles and 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Kearney, NE.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 49.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 26.8 mi from Kearney, NE · 29m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
27 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 53.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 26.8 miles from Kearney, NE, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Cozad, NE
The final approach into Cozad, 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 Cozad, 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
$8.14 one way
$16.28 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
19 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $8.97 | $17.95 |
| premium | $4.80 | $10.12 | $20.24 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $11.91 | $23.82 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 18.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.1 | 0 | $5.63 | $2.57 |
| Efficient EV | 13.4 | 0 | $4.69 | $2.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 21.4 | 0 | $7.50 | $3.43 |
Gas CO2
19 kg
EV CO2
6 kg (68% 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
Cozad, NE
Evening in Cozad on Sunday
Local time
5:19 PM
CDT
Current temp
38°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
39 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
58m 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 Kearney, NE to Cozad, NE covers 53.6 miles and takes about 58m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, 2nd Avenue, South Meridian Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 26.8 miles from Kearney, NE. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.14 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 58m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West 24th Street): Navigation decision point; at 52 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 52.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
The route from Kearney, NE to Cozad, NE does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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