How far is Fort Dodge, KS from Smith Center, KS?
The driving distance from Fort Dodge, KS to Smith Center, KS is about 193.9 miles (312 km), with a travel time of about 04h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 154.4 miles (248.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 03m 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 04h 01m.
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 Ellis County, Kansas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Dodge and Smith Center.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Dodge and Smith Center.
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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
61 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Vine Street
105 m · 8 sec · North Vine Street
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9
Exit the roundabout onto North Vine Street
1160 ft · 28 sec · North Vine Street
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Vine Street
39 m · 2 sec · North Vine Street
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11
Exit the roundabout onto North Vine Street
104 m · 8 sec · North Vine Street
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12
Continue on North Vine Street
928 ft · 21 sec · North Vine Street
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13
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Vine Street
37 m · 2 sec · North Vine Street
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14
Exit the roundabout onto North Vine Street
1.6 km · 2 min · North Vine Street
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15
Continue on 250th Avenue
35.6 mi · 43 min · 250th Avenue
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16
Continue on South Cedar Street
18.1 mi · 22 min · South Cedar Street
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17
Continue on Central Avenue
2640 ft · 56 sec · Central Avenue
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18
Continue on East 100 Road
4.8 mi · 5 min · East 100 Road
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19
Turn right onto East Ridge Road
28.6 mi · 33 min · East Ridge Road
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20
Turn right onto North Main Street
2195 ft · 42 sec · North Main Street
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21
Turn left onto East 1st Street
67 m · 15 sec · East 1st Street
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22
Turn left
11 m · 3 sec
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Dodge and Smith Center.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Niles Avenue
Continue straight
61 mi · 01h 19m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Fort Dodge and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Smith Center.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Dodge to Smith Center?
The road trip is about 193.9 miles (312 km) and usually takes 04h 01m 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?
Schoenchen is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97 miles from Fort Dodge and 96.9 miles from Smith Center.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 154.4 miles (248.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.5 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 8:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.79 one way or $51.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 60.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Fort Dodge and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Smith Center.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Dodge and Smith Center. Straight-line distance: 154.43 mi (248.53 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 Smith Center
City in Kansas
| Population | 1,553 |
| Coordinates | 39.7791800, -98.7850700 |
| Altitude | 547 |
| Country | United States |
End: Smith Center (-98.78507, 39.77918)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 312 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.79 | $51.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.09 | $58.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.83 | $63.67 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.28 | $72.56 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.