How far is Merriam, KS from Newton, KS?
The driving distance from Merriam, KS to Newton, KS is about 173.5 miles (279.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 158.4 miles (254.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 24m 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 42m.
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 Lyon 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 Newton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Merriam and Newton.
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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
1.4 mi · 2 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward First Street, Broadway Street
1546 ft · 38 sec
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18
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward East Broadway Street
6 m · 1 sec · East Broadway Street
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19
Exit the roundabout onto East Broadway Street
1.1 km · 2 min · East Broadway Street
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20
Turn left onto North High Street
1325 ft · 39 sec · North High Street
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21
Turn right onto East 4th Street
2805 ft · 2 min · East 4th Street
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22
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Main Street
44 m · 6 sec · North Main Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Merriam and Newton.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 35 South
Continue straight
57.3 mi · 00h 58m
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.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Merriam and Sunny near Newton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Merriam to Newton?
The road trip is about 173.5 miles (279.2 km) and usually takes 02h 42m 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?
Neosho Rapids is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.7 miles from Merriam and 86.8 miles from Newton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 158.4 miles (254.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.1 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 1:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.08 one way or $46.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.4 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 Newton.
Stop Ideas Near Neosho Rapids
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 Neosho Rapids.
Topeka
Lawrence
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Merriam and Newton. Straight-line distance: 158.39 mi (254.91 km).
#1 Merriam
City in Johnson County, Kansas, United States
| Population | 11,128 |
| Coordinates | 39.0236200, -94.6935700 |
| Altitude | 277 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Newton
City in Kansas
| Population | 18,744 |
| Coordinates | 38.0466800, -97.3450400 |
| Altitude | 441 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Main Street (-97.345047, 38.046679)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 279 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.08 | $46.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.03 | $52.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.48 | $56.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.46 | $64.92 |
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.