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Trip from Sutherland, NE to Omaha, NE

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

5h 11m

Distance

300 mi

483 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 58m ★
6 AM
5h 11m
8 AM
5h 38m
10 AM
5h 20m
12 PM
5h 18m
3 PM
5h 22m
5 PM
5h 37m
8 PM
5h 3m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Sutherland, NE, NE

Sutherland, NE

cottonbro studio

seat of Douglas County, and largest city in State of Nebraska, United States

Omaha, NE

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 300-mile journey from Sutherland to Omaha, Nebraska, is easily accomplished in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 11 minutes of driving time. The route is almost entirely highway-focused, with 99% of it on major roads like I-80. With a fuel cost estimated at $47, it's an economical option for a quick trip across the Great Plains. You'll encounter one designated stop along the way. This drive is ideal for those who prefer efficient travel and don't require extensive scenic detours, making it a straightforward option for a day trip.

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

150 miles from Sutherland, NE

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 11m. Total distance: 300 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive for the vast majority of this route, with 99% of the mileage on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is a significant 294.1 miles primarily on I-80. This means you'll be covering ground efficiently, with minimal slowdowns or changes in road type. The character of the drive is consistent, offering a smooth and direct path across the Nebraska landscape, largely characterized by the open expanses of the Great Plains.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 9 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 294.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and Gerald R Ford Expressway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 5h 11m 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: at 2.5 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.8 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 296.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 7 key points

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

5
2.5 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward I 80 east

Navigation decision point

Toward I 80 east
5
2.8 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
296.9 mi into trip | ~5h 5m in

Take the exit toward I 480 North, US 75: Eppley Airfield, Downtown, Bellevue

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

Toward I 480 North, US 75: Eppley Airfield, Dow...
6
297.2 mi into trip | ~5h 6m in | Gerald R Ford Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto Gerald R Ford Expressway toward I 480 North, US 75 North: Eppley Airfield, Downtown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 480 North, US 75 North: Eppley Airfiel...
8
299.2 mi into trip | ~5h 8m in

Take the exit toward Harney Street, Dodge Street

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 2A Toward Harney Street, Dodge Street

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 294.1 mi 5h
Gerald R Ford Expressway 2 mi 2m
N-25 1.8 mi 2m
1st Street 0.7 mi 1m
Harney Street 0.7 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 294.1 mi, about 5h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Sutherland, NE and Omaha, NE.

1

Start on US 30; I 80 Alt

0.7 mi · 1 min · 1st Street
2

Turn right onto N-25; I 80 Alt

1.8 mi · 2 min · N-25; I 80 Alt
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 80 east
4

Merge onto I 80

294 mi · 5 hr · I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 480 North, US 75: Eppley Airfield, Downtown, Bellevue
6

Keep slight left at fork onto Gerald R Ford Expressway

2.0 mi · 2 min · Gerald R Ford Expressway
Toward I 480 North, US 75 North: Eppley Airfield, Downtown
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Exit 2A Toward Harney Street, Dodge Street Use the straight / right lanes.
8

Turn right onto Harney Street

0.7 mi · 2 min · Harney Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Arrive at destination

Harney Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour driving duration, starting your trip from Sutherland in the morning allows ample time to reach Omaha by the afternoon. With only one recommended stop and a long stretch on I-80, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest segment of the drive, as services can be spread out on the interstate. The estimated fuel cost of $47 makes this a budget-friendly trip, so you can confidently budget for a meal or coffee during your journey.

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 150 miles from Sutherland, NE, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 294.1 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 66 miles or 1h 9m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 150 miles or 2h 35m 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 13m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Sutherland, 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 Sutherland, NE

This is one driving day of about 300 miles and 5h 11m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Sutherland, 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 294.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 150 mi from Sutherland, NE · 2h 35m into the drive

Downtown Aurora, NE, NE

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Aurora, NE

150 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.

Popular next leg

Aurora, NE to Omaha, NE

127.2 mi · 2h 19m

Pacing Suggestions

Lexington, NE

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 66 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Aurora, NE

Meal break

The midpoint is around 150 miles from Sutherland, 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 294.1 miles.

Arriving in Omaha, NE

The final approach into Omaha, 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 Omaha, 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

$46.90 one way

$93.80 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 105 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $51.50 $102.99
premium $4.89 $57.73 $115.46
diesel $5.61 $66.24 $132.47

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$47

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$72–$97

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 105 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 90 1 $31.50 $14.40
Efficient EV 75 0 $26.25 $12.00
EV Truck/SUV 120 1 $42.00 $19.20

Gas CO2

105 kg

EV CO2

35 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 15, 2026

Origin

Sutherland, NE

Night in Sutherland on Thursday

Local time

9:36 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Omaha, NE

Night in Omaha on Thursday

Local time

9:36 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

79°F

Aurora, NE

150 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

30 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 11m 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 Sutherland, NE to Omaha, NE covers 300 miles and takes about 5h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, Gerald R Ford Expressway, N-25. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 150 miles from Sutherland, NE. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $46.90 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 11m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.5 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.8 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 296.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Sutherland, NE to Omaha, NE does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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