North Platte NE to Omaha NE drive: Distance, time & best stops
The distance from North Platte NE to Omaha NE is 280 miles, with a 3h58m driving time. The best road trip stops on the North Platte to Omaha drive are the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles, Kearney NE and Lincoln NE.
Planning a North Platte to Omaha road trip itinerary
The North Platte to Omaha drive takes you a fair way across Nebraska.
North Platte NE is officially home to the largest railroad yard in the world, and you can get a panoramic view over the Bailey Yard from the Golden Spike Tower. Exhibits within the tower celebrate the Union Pacific Railroad, which operates across 23 states.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bill Ranch was the former home of William Cody. Better known as Buffalo Bill, Cody was one of the great characters of the Wild West – a buffalo hunter, a Pony Express rider and a shameless showman.
Top Omaha experiences include electric bike rentals, scavenger hunts and the Henly Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
North Platte to Omaha distance and driving time
By car, the distance from North Platte to Omaha is 280 miles. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and 58 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-80.
The best stops on a North Platte to Omaha road trip itinerary are the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles, Kearney NE and Lincoln NE.
North Platte to Omaha drive: Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles
The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles in Lexington NE isn’t exactly subtle, but there’s an impressive collection of more than 100 vehicles. That means tanks, military ambulances, helicopters and much more. It’s the sense of scale that counts, and getting all of these monsters in one place is undoubtedly impressive.
North Platte to Omaha road trip attractions: Kearney NE
There are a few moderately interesting museums in Kearney, Nebraska. The Kearney Area Children’s Museum has plenty of interactivity for the kids, MONA covers art and the Fort Kearney Museum offers glass bottom boat rides.
But easily Kearney’s most prominent attraction is the Great Platte River Road Archway. It straddles the I-80, and you can go inside for exhibits about the Oregon Trail.
Best stops between North Platte and Omaha: Lincoln, Nebraska
The most obvious attraction in Lincoln NE is the State Capitol Building, which dominates the landscape with a 400ft tower. Free guided tours leave several times a day.
Other Lincoln experiences include the Sunken Gardens, a former waste dump turned into a gorgeous garden. It’s is especially noted for the tulip displays in spring. And, for art displays with a difference, you can try the International Quilt Museum.
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