How far is Fort Dodge, KS from Hays, KS?
The driving distance from Fort Dodge, KS to Hays, KS is about 103.8 miles (167 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 85.9 miles (138.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 32m 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 46m.
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.
Human settlement in Pawnee County, Kansas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Dodge and Hays.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Dodge and Hays.
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1
Start on the route
104 m · 18 sec
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2
Turn right
1.7 mi · 2 min
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3
Turn sharp left onto 117 Road
3.9 mi · 7 min · 117 Road
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4
Turn right
29.3 mi · 34 min
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5
Turn left onto Niles Avenue
2707 ft · 46 sec · Niles Avenue
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6
Turn right
7.9 mi · 9 min
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7
Continue straight
59.1 mi · 1 hr 15 min
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8
Turn left onto East 8th Street
1.3 km · 1 min · East 8th Street
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9
Turn right onto Main Street
1 km · 2 min · Main Street
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10
Turn left
89 m · 21 sec
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Dodge and Hays.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Niles Avenue
Continue straight
59.1 mi · 01h 15m
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 Fort Dodge and Sunny near Hays.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Dodge to Hays?
The road trip is about 103.8 miles (167 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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?
Garfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 52.1 miles from Fort Dodge and 51.7 miles from Hays.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 85.9 miles (138.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.9 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 2:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.80 one way or $27.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Dodge and Sunny near Hays.
Stop Ideas Near Garfield
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 Garfield.
Dodge City
Hutchinson
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Dodge and Hays. Straight-line distance: 85.86 mi (138.18 km).
#1 Fort Dodge
City in and county seat of Ford County, Kansas, United States
| Population | 28,075 |
| Coordinates | 37.7319600, -99.9354100 |
| Altitude | 751 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Hays
City in Kansas, United States
| Population | 20,829 |
| Coordinates | 38.8791800, -99.3267700 |
| Altitude | 616 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-99.32671, 38.879268)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 167 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.80 | $27.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.57 | $31.13 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.03 | $34.07 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.41 | $38.83 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.