How far is Atchison, KS from Salina, KS?
The driving distance from Atchison, KS to Salina, KS is about 163.2 miles (262.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.4 miles (229.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 15m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 37m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Atchison and Salina.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Atchison and Salina.
-
1
Start on Kansas Avenue
102 m · 11 sec · Kansas Avenue
-
2
Turn right onto North 6th Street
1194 ft · 37 sec · North 6th Street
-
3
Turn right onto Skyway Highway
1.4 mi · 3 min · Skyway Highway
-
4
Continue on US 59 Highway
15 mi · 18 min · US 59 Highway
-
5
Continue straight
29.3 mi · 34 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right
1.1 mi · 2 min
-
7
Continue straight
6.1 mi · 8 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right
1515 ft · 52 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
1.6 mi · 2 min
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on I 70 West, US 40 West, US 75 South, KS 4 West: Salina
1395 ft · 26 sec
-
11
Merge slight left onto Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
82.8 mi · 1 hr 24 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
-
12
Continue on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
22.2 mi · 22 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward KS 143
1276 ft · 33 sec
-
14
Turn left onto North 9th Street
2.5 mi · 6 min · North 9th Street
-
15
Turn left onto West Iron Avenue
85 m · 14 sec · West Iron Avenue
-
16
Turn right onto South 8th Street
28 m · 4 sec · South 8th Street
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 8th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Atchison and Salina.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
Merge slight left onto Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
82.8 mi · 01h 24m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Atchison and Mostly Sunny near Salina.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Atchison to Salina?
The road trip is about 163.2 miles (262.6 km) and usually takes 02h 37m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
McFarland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.5 miles from Atchison and 81.6 miles from Salina.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.4 miles (229.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.72 one way or $43.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Atchison and Mostly Sunny near Salina.
Stop Ideas Near McFarland
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to McFarland.
Topeka
Lawrence
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Atchison and Salina. Straight-line distance: 142.35 mi (229.09 km).
#1 Atchison
City in Kansas, USA
| Population | 10,427 |
| Coordinates | 39.5630500, -95.1216400 |
| Altitude | 248 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Salina
The most populous city in Saline County, Kansas.
| Population | 46,274 |
| Coordinates | 38.8402800, -97.6114200 |
| Altitude | 373 |
| Country | United States |
End: South 8th Street (-97.611466, 38.840281)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 263 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.72 | $43.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.50 | $48.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.81 | $53.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.55 | $61.10 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Kansas · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.