How far is Reading, KS from Emporia, KS?
The driving distance from Reading, KS to Emporia, KS is about 17.8 miles (28.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 14.5 miles (23.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 04m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 32m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Lyon County, Kansas
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Reading and Emporia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Reading and Emporia.
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1
Start on the route
28 m · 9 sec
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2
Turn right onto 1st Street
60 m · 14 sec · 1st Street
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3
Turn left onto Franklin Street
533 ft · 20 sec · Franklin Street
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4
Turn left onto Road 250
7.6 mi · 13 min · Road 250
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5
Turn left onto Road R
1 km · 1 min · Road R
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6
Continue on Burlingame Road
7.8 mi · 14 min · Burlingame Road
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7
At the end of the road, turn right onto East 12th Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · East 12th Avenue
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8
Turn left onto Commercial Street
2648 ft · 57 sec · Commercial Street
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9
Turn right onto East 6th Avenue
112 m · 14 sec · East 6th Avenue
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10
Turn left onto Merchant Street
134 m · 14 sec · Merchant Street
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11
Turn right onto West 5th Avenue
18 m · 3 sec · West 5th Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 5th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Reading and Emporia.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Burlingame Road
Continue on Burlingame Road
7.81 mi · 00h 14m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Partly Sunny leaving Reading and Partly Sunny near Emporia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Reading to Emporia?
The road trip is about 17.8 miles (28.6 km) and usually takes 00h 32m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Americus is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8.9 miles from Reading and 8.9 miles from Emporia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 14.5 miles (23.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.3 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.51 one way or $5.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Reading and Partly Sunny near Emporia.
Stop Ideas Near Americus
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 Americus.
Topeka
Lawrence
Newton
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Reading and Emporia. Straight-line distance: 14.47 mi (23.29 km).
#1 Reading
City in Kansas, United States
| Population | 248 |
| Coordinates | 38.5194600, -95.9586000 |
| Altitude | 335 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Emporia
County seat of Lyon County, Kansas, United States
| Population | 858 |
| Coordinates | 38.4039000, -96.1816600 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| Country | United States |
End: Emporia (-96.18166, 38.4039)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 29 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.98 | $2.51 | $5.02 |
| Mid-grade | $4.33 | $2.73 | $5.46 |
| Premium | $4.70 | $2.96 | $5.92 |
| Diesel | $6.08 | $3.83 | $7.66 |
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 · Oct 19, 2026