How far is Derby, KS from Clay Center, KS?
The driving distance from Derby, KS to Clay Center, KS is about 163.2 miles (262.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.8 miles (204 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 56m 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 58m.
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 Saline County, Kansas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Derby and Clay Center.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Derby and Clay Center.
-
1
Start on the route
37 m · 11 sec
-
2
Turn right onto East Main Street
83 m · 14 sec · East Main Street
-
3
Turn right onto North Baltimore Avenue
2237 ft · 40 sec · North Baltimore Avenue
-
4
Continue on South Southeast Boulevard
6.3 mi · 10 min · South Southeast Boulevard
-
5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 135 North, US 81 North, KS 15 North: Salina
2001 ft · 49 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
27.1 mi · 30 min
-
7
Continue straight
2.1 mi · 2 min
-
8
Continue straight
97.1 mi · 1 hr 38 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right
1865 ft · 53 sec
-
10
Turn right onto Deer Road
16 mi · 19 min · Deer Road
-
11
Continue on 18th Road
11.8 mi · 14 min · 18th Road
-
12
Continue on West Crawford Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · West Crawford Street
-
13
Turn right onto 6th Street
1248 ft · 27 sec · 6th Street
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Derby and Clay Center.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 135 North
Continue straight
97.1 mi · 01h 38m
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 then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Derby and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Clay Center.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Derby to Clay Center?
The road trip is about 163.2 miles (262.7 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Assaria is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.6 miles from Derby and 81.6 miles from Clay Center.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.8 miles (204 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.4 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 12:34 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 then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Derby and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Clay Center.
Stop Ideas Near Assaria
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 Assaria.
Newton
Hutchinson
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Derby and Clay Center. Straight-line distance: 126.78 mi (204.03 km).
#1 Derby
City in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States
| Population | 25,145 |
| Coordinates | 37.5455700, -97.2689300 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Clay Center
City in Kansas
| Population | 4,173 |
| Coordinates | 39.3769400, -97.1247400 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clay Center (-97.12474, 39.37694)
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.