How far is Hays, KS from Leavenworth, KS?
Fastest route
The distance from Hays, Kansas 67601, to Leavenworth, Kansas 66048 is approximately 262 miles (421 kilometers). The estimated travel time is 3 hours and 51 minutes via I-70 E, the fastest route considering traffic conditions.
Directions
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🚗 Get on I-70 E/US-40 E from Main St and Vine St.
- Head southeast toward Main St.
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Main St.
- At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on Vine St.
- At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on Vine St.
- Turn right to merge onto I-70 E/US-40 E toward Salina.
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🛣️ Continue on I-70 E to Reno Township. Take exit 212 from I-70 E.
- Merge onto I-70 E/US-40 E.
- Continue to follow I-70 E (Toll road).
- Use the left 2 lanes to stay on I-70 E (Toll road).
- Take exit 212 for 222nd St.
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🚙 Take US-24 E/US-40 E and Tonganoxie Dr to Spruce St in Leavenworth.
- Turn left onto 222nd St (signs for Tonganoxie).
- Continue onto Honey Creek Rd.
- Turn right onto US-24 E/US-40 E.
- Turn right onto Tonganoxie Dr.
- Turn right onto Dempsey Rd/Levee 5/Tonganoxie Dr.
- Turn left onto Levee 5/Tonganoxie Dr.
- Continue to follow Tonganoxie Dr.
- Turn right onto Spruce St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚦 Plan for Toll Roads: Be aware that the route includes toll roads. Ensure you have sufficient funds or a compatible electronic pass for the tolls.
- 🛣️ Check Traffic Conditions: Before starting your journey, check real-time traffic conditions on I-70 E to avoid potential delays and plan your departure accordingly.
- ⛽ Fuel Up: Fill up your gas tank before hitting the road to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted journey.
- 📱 GPS Navigation: Use a reliable GPS navigation app or device to stay on track and avoid getting lost during the trip.
- 🚧 Be Prepared for Emergencies: Carry essential emergency supplies like a first-aid kit, flashlight, and basic tools in case of unforeseen situations.
- 🍴 Pack Snacks and Water: Keep some snacks and water handy for refreshment during the long drive, especially if you're traveling with others.
- 🏨 Plan Accommodations: If your journey takes longer or you prefer a break, plan for accommodations along the way or in Leavenworth for a comfortable stay.
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 03h 53m.
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.
City in Kansas, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Hays and Leavenworth.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hays and Leavenworth.
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1
Start on the route
89 m · 27 sec
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2
Turn left onto Main Street
574 ft · 17 sec · Main Street
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3
Continue on Main Street
2212 ft · 1 min · Main Street
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4
Turn right onto West 27th Street
1218 ft · 26 sec · West 27th Street
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5
Turn left onto North Vine Street
2458 ft · 1 min · North Vine Street
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Vine Street
105 m · 8 sec · North Vine Street
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7
Exit the roundabout onto North Vine Street
1160 ft · 28 sec · North Vine Street
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Vine Street
39 m · 2 sec · North Vine Street
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9
Exit the roundabout onto North Vine Street
104 m · 8 sec · North Vine Street
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10
Continue on North Vine Street
4 m · 1 sec · North Vine Street
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11
Take the exit slight right
949 ft · 23 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
115.4 mi · 1 hr 55 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
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13
Continue on Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
74.7 mi · 1 hr 15 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
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14
Continue on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
1.1 mi · 1 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
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15
Continue on Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
14.9 mi · 17 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
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16
Keep slight left to continue on Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
1.2 km · 52 sec · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
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17
Continue on Kansas Turnpike
40.4 mi · 41 min · Kansas Turnpike
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18
Take the exit slight right toward KS 7, US 73, US 24 West, US 40 West: Bonner Springs, Leavenworth
1.2 km · 2 min
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19
Keep slight left to continue on KS 7 North, US 73 North, US 24 West, US 40 West: Lansing
73 m · 13 sec
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20
Turn left
15.5 mi · 23 min
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21
Turn left onto Spruce Street
2974 ft · 1 min · Spruce Street
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22
Turn right
84 m · 20 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 Hays and Leavenworth.
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
115 mi · 01h 55m
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.
Sunny leaving Hays and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Leavenworth.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Hays to Leavenworth?
The road trip is about 265.7 miles (427.6 km) and usually takes 03h 53m 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?
Chapman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 132.7 miles from Hays and 133 miles from Leavenworth.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 238 miles (383.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.7 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 9:14 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $35.37 one way or $70.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 83.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Hays and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Leavenworth.
Stop Ideas Near Chapman
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 Chapman.
Newton
Topeka
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Hays and Leavenworth. Straight-line distance: 238.03 mi (383.07 km).
#1 Hays
City in Kansas, United States
| Population | 20,829 |
| Coordinates | 38.8791800, -99.3267700 |
| Altitude | 616 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Leavenworth
City in Kansas
| Population | 35,934 |
| Coordinates | 39.3111100, -94.9224600 |
| Altitude | 256 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-94.922671, 39.310837)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 428 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $35.37 | $70.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $39.89 | $79.79 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $43.65 | $87.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $49.75 | $99.50 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.