How far is Derby, KS from Colby, KS?
The driving distance from Derby, KS to Colby, KS is about 298.9 miles (481 km), with a travel time of about 05h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 241.3 miles (388.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 18m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 05h 09m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Human settlement in Russell County, Kansas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Derby and Colby.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Derby and Colby.
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1
Start on the route
37 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn right onto East Main Street
83 m · 14 sec · East Main Street
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3
Turn right onto North Baltimore Avenue
2237 ft · 40 sec · North Baltimore Avenue
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4
Continue on South Southeast Boulevard
6.3 mi · 10 min · South Southeast Boulevard
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 135 North, US 81 North, KS 15 North: Salina
2001 ft · 49 sec
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6
Merge slight left
27.1 mi · 30 min
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7
Continue straight
2.1 mi · 2 min
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8
Continue straight
63.2 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 70 West: Hays
1185 ft · 42 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
196.6 mi · 3 hr 17 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward KS 25, Atwood, Leoti
1176 ft · 29 sec
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12
Turn right onto South Range Avenue
2.1 mi · 4 min · South Range Avenue
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13
Turn right onto West 3rd Street
668 ft · 29 sec · West 3rd Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Derby and Colby.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Merge slight left onto Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
197 mi · 03h 17m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Derby and Rain Showers Likely near Colby.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Derby to Colby?
The road trip is about 298.9 miles (481 km) and usually takes 05h 09m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Dorrance is a useful midpoint, sitting about 149.3 miles from Derby and 149.6 miles from Colby.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 241.3 miles (388.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 57.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:42 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $39.78 one way or $79.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 93.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Derby and Rain Showers Likely near Colby.
Stop Ideas Near Dorrance
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 Dorrance.
Hutchinson
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Derby and Colby. Straight-line distance: 241.28 mi (388.3 km).
#1 Derby
City in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States
| Population | 25,145 |
| Coordinates | 37.5455700, -97.2689300 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Colby
City in Thomas County, Kansas, United States of America
| Population | 5,315 |
| Coordinates | 39.3958400, -101.0523800 |
| Altitude | 963 |
| Country | United States |
End: Colby (-101.05238, 39.39584)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 481 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $39.78 | $79.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $44.87 | $89.74 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $49.10 | $98.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $55.96 | $111.91 |
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 11, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.