Trip from North Platte, NE to Bennington, NE

Q: What are the main roads on this route?

The main roads are I 80, I 680, Highway 36. 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 142.2 miles from North Platte, 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 $44.46 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Q: What towns show up on signs driving from North Platte, NE to Bennington, NE?

The route from North Platte, NE to Bennington, NE does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

4h 56m

Distance

284.4 mi

458 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$44

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

12 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 43m ★

6 AM

4h 56m

8 AM

5h 23m

10 AM

5h 6m

12 PM

5h 3m

3 PM

5h 7m

5 PM

5h 22m

8 PM

4h 48m

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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North Platte, NE

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Trip Overview

The drive from North Platte, NE to Bennington, NE covers 284.4 miles and takes about 4h 56m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 80, I 680, Highway 36 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 267.8 miles on I 80. At current regular gas prices, budget about $44.46 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

142.2 miles from North Platte, NE

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 27m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 56m. Total distance: 284.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 4h 56m highway drive covering 284.4 miles, with most of the trip on I 80 and I 680. The longest continuous stretch is about 267.8 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 18 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 267.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 680. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West William Avenue.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 284.4 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (West William Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 1.7 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 276.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

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

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | West William Avenue

Turn right onto West William Avenue

Navigation decision point

1.7 mi into trip | ~3m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

276.6 mi into trip | ~4h 45m in

Take the exit toward NE 133: Irvington, Blair

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

Exit 6 Toward NE 133: Irvington, Blair

280.3 mi into trip | ~4h 50m in | N-36 / Bennington Road

Turn left onto N-36 / Bennington Road toward Bennington, Fremont

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward Bennington, Fremont

284.4 mi into trip | ~4h 56m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 80	267.8 mi	4h 33m
I 680	6.8 mi	7m
Highway 36	3.2 mi	4m
Highway 133	2.2 mi	2m
State Highway 133	1 mi	1m
South Jeffers Street	1 mi	1m
North 156th Street	0.5 mi	1m
Bennington Road	0.4 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 80 — 267.8 mi, about 4h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between North Platte, NE and Bennington, NE.

Start on this road

156 ft · 13 sec · this road

Turn right onto West William Avenue

400 ft · 19 sec · West William Avenue

Turn right onto US 83R

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Jeffers Street

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 80 East

Merge onto I 80

268 mi · 4 hr 33 min · I 80

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 37 sec

Toward I 680 North

Continue on I 680

6.8 mi · 7 min · I 680

Toward I 680 north Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec

Exit 6 Toward NE 133: Irvington, Blair

Turn straight onto N-133

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Blair High Road

Use the left / straight lanes.

Continue on N-133

0.4 mi · 40 sec · State Highway 133

Use the straight lane.

Continue on N-133

2.2 mi · 2 min · Highway 133

Use the straight lane.

Continue on N-133

0.6 mi · 51 sec · State Highway 133

Turn left onto N-36

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Bennington Road

Toward Bennington, Fremont Use the left lane.

Turn straight onto N-36

3.2 mi · 4 min · Highway 36

Turn left onto North 156th Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · North 156th Street

Turn left onto 1st Street

187 ft · 10 sec · 1st Street

Turn left

42 ft · 3 sec

Arrive at destination

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 142.2 miles from North Platte, NE, or about 2h 27m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 267.8 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 63 miles or 1h 6m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 142.2 miles or 2h 27m 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 59m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving North Platte, 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 North Platte, NE

This is one driving day of about 284.4 miles and 4h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from North Platte, 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 267.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 142.2 mi from North Platte, NE · 2h 27m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Aurora, NE

142 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

Lexington, NE

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Aurora, NE

Meal break

The midpoint is around 142.2 miles from North Platte, 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 267.8 miles.

Arriving in Bennington, NE

The final approach into Bennington, 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 Bennington, 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

Luigi's | Italian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

North Platte, Nebraska

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13082212961

Visit website

Azteca | Family Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Omaha, Nebraska

0.6 mi

the Espresso Shop | Caravan

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

North Platte, Nebraska

0.9 mi

Luigi's | Italian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

North Platte, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13082212961

Visit website

Azteca | Family Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 264.1

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14028966766

Visit website

the Espresso Shop | Caravan

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

North Platte, Nebraska

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+13085349550

Visit website

Runza Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 284.4

Bennington, Nebraska

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+14029917118

Visit website

Tempura | Japanese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

North Platte, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13085320711

Visit website

North 40 Chophouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $50 to $10

North Platte, Nebraska

Hours: 4–10 pm

+13082216688

Visit website

The Cedar Room

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

North Platte, Nebraska

Hours: 4–9 pm

+13085324825

Visit website

Penny's Diner

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

North Platte, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13085359900

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 264.1

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 264.1

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: 12–7 am

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 264.1

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.9 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 264.1

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 264.1

Gretna, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 264.1

Omaha, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 264.1

La Vista, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 264.1

La Vista, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 60.9

Lexington, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13083246329

Visit website

Cody Park Railroad Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

North Platte, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+13085356719

Visit website

University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 223.4

Lincoln, Nebraska

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+14024722637

Visit website

Big Apple Fun Center

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 101.6

Kearney, Nebraska

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+13082344545

Visit website

Sod House Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 40.6

Gothenburg, Nebraska

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13085291630

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$44.46 one way

$88.93 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$48.82	$97.64
premium	$4.89	$54.73	$109.46
diesel	$5.61	$62.79	$125.58

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$44

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 99.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

12 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

ChargePoint Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Omaha, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Gretna, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Gretna, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

La Vista, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

La Vista, Nebraska

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint: 10 Blink: 1 EV Connect: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	85.3	1	$29.86	$13.65
Efficient EV	71.1	0	$24.88	$11.38
EV Truck/SUV	113.8	1	$39.82	$18.20

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

33 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

North Platte, NE

Evening in North Platte on Thursday

Local time

5:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Sunny

S 15 to 20 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Freeze Watch

Freeze Watch issued April 16 at 3:31PM CDT until April 18 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Hastings NE

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 2:33PM CDT until April 17 at 12:00AM CDT by NWS Hastings NE

Destination

Bennington, NE

Evening in Bennington on Thursday

Local time

5:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Sunny

SSW 17 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Freeze Watch

Freeze Watch issued April 16 at 3:31PM CDT until April 18 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Hastings NE

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 2:33PM CDT until April 17 at 12:00AM CDT by NWS Hastings NE

79°F

Aurora, NE

142 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

4h 56m 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 North Platte, NE to Bennington, NE covers 284.4 miles and takes about 4h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 80, I 680, Highway 36. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 142.2 miles from North Platte, NE. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.46 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.

The route from North Platte, NE to Bennington, NE does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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