How far is Leavenworth, KS from Wathena, KS?
The driving distance from Leavenworth, KS to Wathena, KS is about 44.1 miles (71 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 31 miles (49.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 54m 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 00h 57m.
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.
Township in Leavenworth County, Kansas
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Leavenworth and Wathena.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Leavenworth and Wathena.
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1
Start on the route
84 m · 25 sec
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto Spruce Street
536 ft · 16 sec · Spruce Street
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3
Turn left onto South Broadway Street
1.2 km · 2 min · South Broadway Street
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4
Turn right onto Osage Street
2120 ft · 1 min · Osage Street
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5
Turn left onto North 4th Street
2348 ft · 1 min · North 4th Street
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6
Turn right onto Metropolitan Avenue
2204 ft · 48 sec · Metropolitan Avenue
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7
Continue straight
1 km · 1 min
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8
Keep slight left
123 m · 8 sec
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward MO 92 East: Beverly
40 m · 8 sec
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10
Exit the roundabout onto MO 92 East: Beverly
7.4 mi · 10 min
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11
Turn left
1184 ft · 31 sec
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12
Continue on 273 Highway
1.2 km · 2 min · 273 Highway
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13
Take the ramp left toward I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
689 ft · 17 sec
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14
Merge slight left onto Trooper Fred F. Guthrie Jr. Memorial Highway
21.8 mi · 23 min · Trooper Fred F. Guthrie Jr. Memorial Highway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
2673 ft · 54 sec
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16
Continue straight
4.5 mi · 5 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward US 36: Kansas, Cameron
939 ft · 23 sec
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18
Turn left
5.5 mi · 7 min
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19
Turn left onto Saint Joseph Street
1417 ft · 44 sec · Saint Joseph Street
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20
Turn right onto South 5th Street
28 m · 4 sec · South 5th Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 5th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Leavenworth and Wathena.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Trooper Fred F. Guthrie Jr. Memorial Highway
Merge slight left onto Trooper Fred F. Guthrie Jr. Memorial Highway
21.8 mi · 00h 23m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Leavenworth and Mostly Sunny near Wathena.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Leavenworth to Wathena?
The road trip is about 44.1 miles (71 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
Kickapoo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.1 miles from Leavenworth and 22.1 miles from Wathena.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 31 miles (49.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.1 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 4:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.88 one way or $11.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Leavenworth and Mostly Sunny near Wathena.
Stop Ideas Near Kickapoo
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 Kickapoo.
Union Station
Lawrence
Independence
Topeka
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Leavenworth and Wathena. Straight-line distance: 30.99 mi (49.88 km).
#1 Leavenworth
City in Kansas
| Population | 35,934 |
| Coordinates | 39.3111100, -94.9224600 |
| Altitude | 256 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Wathena
City in Doniphan County, Kansas, United States of America
| Population | 1,272 |
| Coordinates | 39.7591600, -94.9496900 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wathena (-94.94969, 39.75916)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 71 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.88 | $11.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.63 | $13.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.26 | $14.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.27 | $16.55 |
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 · Jun 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.