How far is Merriam, KS from Fort Dodge, KS?
The driving distance from Merriam, KS to Fort Dodge, KS is about 324 miles (521.4 km), with a travel time of about 05h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 297.6 miles (478.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 16m 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 05h 08m.
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 Harvey County, Kansas, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Merriam and Fort Dodge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Merriam and Fort Dodge.
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1
Start on the route
36 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn right onto Kessler Lane
145 m · 28 sec · Kessler Lane
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3
Turn left onto Johnson Drive
75 m · 10 sec · Johnson Drive
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4
Take the ramp right toward I 35 South: Wichita
687 ft · 17 sec
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5
Merge slight left
2.8 mi · 3 min
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6
Continue on I 35 South, US 56 West, US 169 South: Wichita
4.2 mi · 5 min
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7
Continue straight
37.1 mi · 39 min
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8
Continue straight
57.3 mi · 58 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 50: Emporia, Newton
1268 ft · 37 sec
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward the route
132 m · 6 sec
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11
Exit the roundabout
814 ft · 12 sec
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward the route
10 m · 1 sec
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13
Exit the roundabout
42.8 mi · 51 min
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14
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward US 50 West: Newton
60 m · 9 sec
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15
Exit the roundabout onto US 50 West: Newton
25.3 mi · 30 min
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16
Keep slight right to continue on I 135 South, US 81 South, US 50 West: Wichita
3.2 mi · 3 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward US 50, KS 15: Hutchinson
39.9 mi · 47 min
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18
Keep slight left
39.7 mi · 45 min
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19
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
54 m · 2 sec
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20
Exit the roundabout
66.3 mi · 1 hr 17 min
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21
Turn left onto 117 Road
3.9 mi · 7 min · 117 Road
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22
Turn sharp right
1.7 mi · 2 min
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23
Turn left
104 m · 15 sec
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Merriam and Fort Dodge.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
US 50
Exit the roundabout
66.3 mi · 01h 17m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Merriam and Sunny near Fort Dodge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Merriam to Fort Dodge?
The road trip is about 324 miles (521.4 km) and usually takes 05h 08m 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?
Walton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 162.3 miles from Merriam and 161.7 miles from Fort Dodge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 297.6 miles (478.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.4 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 6:44 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $43.10 one way or $86.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 101.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Merriam and Sunny near Fort Dodge.
Stop Ideas Near Walton
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 Walton.
Newton
Hutchinson
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Merriam and Fort Dodge. Straight-line distance: 297.56 mi (478.88 km).
#1 Merriam
City in Johnson County, Kansas, United States
| Population | 11,128 |
| Coordinates | 39.0236200, -94.6935700 |
| Altitude | 277 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: (-99.935528, 37.731981)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 521 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $43.10 | $86.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $48.61 | $97.22 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $53.20 | $106.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $60.62 | $121.25 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.