How far is Paola, KS from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance from Paola, KS to Wichita, KS is about 167 miles (268.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 146.8 miles (236.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 14m 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 37m.
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.
County seat of Lyon County, Kansas, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Paola and Wichita.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Paola and Wichita.
-
1
Start on South Silver Street
2691 ft · 1 min · South Silver Street
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2
Continue on North Pearl Street
1 mi · 2 min · North Pearl Street
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3
Continue on Old Kansas City Road
2.1 mi · 3 min · Old Kansas City Road
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 4 toward the route
106 m · 7 sec
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5
Exit the roundabout
20.5 mi · 36 min
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6
Turn left onto I 35 South, US 59 South, US 50 West: Wichita
1376 ft · 34 sec
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7
Merge slight left
135 mi · 2 hr 16 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 54, US 400
2804 ft · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left onto Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
7.4 mi · 9 min · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Central Business District
1219 ft · 32 sec
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11
Continue on East Kellogg Drive
113 m · 10 sec · East Kellogg Drive
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12
Turn right onto South Broadway Avenue
2520 ft · 53 sec · South Broadway Avenue
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13
Continue on North Broadway Street
2035 ft · 46 sec · North Broadway Street
-
14
Turn left onto East 3rd Street North
113 m · 20 sec · East 3rd Street North
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15
Turn right onto North Market Street
96 m · 14 sec · North Market Street
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16
Turn left
57 m · 14 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Paola and Wichita.
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
Merge slight left
135 mi · 02h 16m
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.
Clear leaving Paola and Sunny near Wichita.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Paola to Wichita?
The road trip is about 167 miles (268.8 km) and usually takes 02h 37m 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?
Emporia is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84.3 miles from Paola and 82.8 miles from Wichita.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 146.8 miles (236.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.2 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 1:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.21 one way or $44.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Clear around Paola and Sunny near Wichita.
Stop Ideas Near Emporia
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 Emporia.
Topeka
Lawrence
Newton
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Paola and Wichita. Straight-line distance: 146.79 mi (236.23 km).
#1 Paola
City in Kansas
| Population | 1,108 |
| Coordinates | 38.5722400, -94.8791300 |
| Altitude | 279 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Wichita
The largest city in Kansas and the center of the Wichita metropolitan area.
| Population | 391,731 |
| Coordinates | 37.6922400, -97.3375400 |
| Altitude | 396 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-97.33754, 37.692338)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 269 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.21 | $44.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.05 | $50.10 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.41 | $54.82 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.24 | $62.48 |
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.