How far is Merriam, KS from Salina, KS?
The driving distance from Merriam, KS to Salina, KS is about 175.1 miles (281.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 157.3 miles (253.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 22m 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 41m.
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 Wabaunsee County, Kansas, United States of America
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 Merriam and Salina.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Merriam and Salina.
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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
755 ft · 26 sec · Johnson Drive
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4
Take the ramp left toward I 35 North: Des Moines
1074 ft · 26 sec
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5
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 2 min
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6
Take the exit slight left toward I 635 North: K.C.I. Airport
1681 ft · 32 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 635 North: K.C.I. Airport
689 ft · 17 sec
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8
Merge slight right onto Harry Darby Memorial Highway
4.5 mi · 5 min · Harry Darby Memorial Highway
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9
Take the exit slight left toward I 70 West: Topeka
1475 ft · 42 sec
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10
Merge slight right onto Kansas Turnpike
50.8 mi · 52 min · Kansas Turnpike
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11
Keep slight right to continue on Kansas Turnpike
1.5 km · 1 min · Kansas Turnpike
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12
Continue on Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
91.6 mi · 1 hr 34 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
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13
Continue on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
22.2 mi · 22 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward KS 143
1276 ft · 33 sec
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15
Turn left onto North 9th Street
2.5 mi · 6 min · North 9th Street
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16
Turn left onto West Iron Avenue
85 m · 14 sec · West Iron Avenue
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17
Turn right onto South 8th Street
28 m · 4 sec · South 8th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 8th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Merriam and Salina.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
Continue on Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
91.6 mi · 01h 34m
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 Merriam and Mostly Sunny near Salina.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Merriam to Salina?
The road trip is about 175.1 miles (281.8 km) and usually takes 02h 41m 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?
Paxico is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.5 miles from Merriam and 87.7 miles from Salina.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 157.3 miles (253.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.8 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 1:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.30 one way or $46.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Merriam and Mostly Sunny near Salina.
Stop Ideas Near Paxico
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 Paxico.
Topeka
Lawrence
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Merriam and Salina. Straight-line distance: 157.33 mi (253.2 km).
#1 Merriam
City in Johnson County, Kansas, United States
| Population | 11,128 |
| Coordinates | 39.0236200, -94.6935700 |
| Altitude | 277 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Salina
The most populous city in Saline County, Kansas.
| Population | 46,274 |
| Coordinates | 38.8402800, -97.6114200 |
| Altitude | 373 |
| Country | United States |
End: South 8th Street (-97.611466, 38.840281)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 282 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.30 | $46.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.28 | $52.57 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.76 | $57.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.78 | $65.56 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.