How far is Clay Center, KS from Salina, KS?
The driving distance from Clay Center, KS to Salina, KS is about 59.6 miles (95.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 45.4 miles (73 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 01m 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 01h 00m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clay Center and Salina.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clay Center and Salina.
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1
Start on 6th Street
1248 ft · 34 sec · 6th Street
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2
Turn left onto Crawford Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · Crawford Street
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3
Continue on 18th Road
11.8 mi · 14 min · 18th Road
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4
Continue on Eagle Road
16.2 mi · 19 min · Eagle Road
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5
Take the ramp left toward Salina
1520 ft · 42 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto 140th Road
36.1 mi · 37 min · 140th Road
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7
Take the exit slight right toward KS 140
1198 ft · 34 sec
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8
Turn left onto Old US 40
150 m · 9 sec · Old US 40
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9
Continue on West State Street
2107 ft · 40 sec · West State Street
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10
Keep slight right
131 m · 9 sec
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11
Turn straight onto West State Street
1.5 km · 2 min · West State Street
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12
Turn right onto North College Avenue
116 m · 16 sec · North College Avenue
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13
Turn left onto West Iron Avenue
2400 ft · 1 min · West Iron Avenue
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14
Turn right onto South 8th Street
28 m · 4 sec · South 8th Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 8th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Clay Center and Salina.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
140th Road
Merge slight left onto 140th Road
36.1 mi · 00h 37m
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.
Sunny leaving Clay Center and Sunny near Salina.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Clay Center to Salina?
The road trip is about 59.6 miles (95.9 km) and usually takes 01h 00m 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?
Delphos is a useful midpoint, sitting about 34.1 miles from Clay Center and 25.5 miles from Salina.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 45.4 miles (73 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.2 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 4:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.92 one way or $15.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Clay Center and Sunny near Salina.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clay Center and Salina. Straight-line distance: 45.34 mi (72.97 km).
#1 Clay Center
City in Kansas
| Population | 4,173 |
| Coordinates | 39.3769400, -97.1247400 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| 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: 96 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.92 | $15.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.93 | $17.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.77 | $19.55 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.14 | $22.28 |
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 · May 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.