How far is Kansas City, KS from Seneca, KS?
The driving distance from Kansas City, KS to Seneca, KS is about 117.6 miles (189.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 91.3 miles (147 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 41m 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 20m.
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 Doniphan County, Kansas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kansas City and Seneca.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kansas City and Seneca.
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1
Start on the route
45 m · 13 sec
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2
Turn right onto Armstrong Avenue
86 m · 18 sec · Armstrong Avenue
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3
Turn left onto North 7th Street Trafficway
3.8 mi · 8 min · North 7th Street Trafficway
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4
Keep slight left to continue on Harry Darby Memorial Highway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Harry Darby Memorial Highway
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 North, US 71 North: K.C.I. Airport, Saint Joseph
2291 ft · 49 sec
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6
Merge slight right
10.2 mi · 12 min
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7
Merge slight left
2.7 mi · 3 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
26 mi · 28 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
2673 ft · 54 sec
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10
Continue straight
4.5 mi · 5 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 36: Kansas, Cameron
939 ft · 23 sec
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12
Turn left
66.8 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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13
Turn left onto North 1st Street
2470 ft · 1 min · North 1st Street
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14
Continue on Main Street
1955 ft · 59 sec · Main Street
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15
Turn left onto South 6th Street
15 m · 2 sec · South 6th Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kansas City and Seneca.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn left
66.8 mi · 01h 19m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Kansas City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Seneca.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kansas City to Seneca?
The road trip is about 117.6 miles (189.2 km) and usually takes 02h 20m 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?
Wathena is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.7 miles from Kansas City and 58.8 miles from Seneca.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 91.3 miles (147 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.3 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 1:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.65 one way or $31.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Kansas City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Seneca.
Stop Ideas Near Wathena
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 Wathena.
Union Station
Independence
Lawrence
Topeka
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kansas City and Seneca. Straight-line distance: 91.35 mi (147.02 km).
#1 Kansas City
The second most populous city in Kansas.
| Population | 152,960 |
| Coordinates | 39.1141700, -94.6274600 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Seneca
City in Kansas
| Population | 2,079 |
| Coordinates | 39.8341600, -96.0641700 |
| Altitude | 347 |
| Country | United States |
End: Seneca (-96.06417, 39.83416)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 189 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.65 | $31.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.65 | $35.30 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.31 | $38.63 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.01 | $44.02 |
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.