Chicago to Lincoln, Nebraska: Road Trip Guide & Distance

476.1 miles 766.2 km · straight line
523.4 miles actual route 842.4 km · driving distance
9h 39min estimated drive time
$50 - $62 estimated fuel cost
~1h 27min flight time
264° W bearing direction

How far is Chicago from Lincoln, Nebraska?

The distance from Chicago to Lincoln, Nebraska is 476.1 miles (766.2 km) as the crow flies. Lincoln, Nebraska is located W of Chicago. By car, the driving distance is approximately 523.4 miles, taking about 9h 39min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 27min. Both are located in United States — Chicago in Illinois and Lincoln, Nebraska in Nebraska.

This is a solid day of driving. Be sure to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid driver fatigue, and plan your meals ahead of time. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Chicago and Lincoln, Nebraska. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Chicago to Lincoln, Nebraska

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 9h 39min $50 - $62 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 27min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~11h 35min $42–$79* Budget
Train ~9h 10min $63–$183* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Chicago & Lincoln, Nebraska

Quick Facts

Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Lincoln, Nebraska
40.81°N, 96.70°W
America/Chicago
362m elevation
Explore more routes from Lincoln, Nebraska

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 159 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 40 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 52.3 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM