How far is Salem, KS from Hays, KS?
The driving distance from Salem, KS to Hays, KS is about 113.5 miles (182.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 82 miles (132 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 00m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
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 00m.
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 Phillips County, Kansas, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Salem and Hays.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salem and Hays.
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1
Start on 20 Road
2927 ft · 2 min · 20 Road
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2
Turn left
2 mi · 8 min
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3
Turn straight onto 100 Road
1.5 mi · 6 min · 100 Road
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4
Turn left
6.2 mi · 8 min
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5
Take the ramp right
12.2 mi · 15 min
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6
Continue straight
28.3 mi · 33 min
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7
Turn left onto East 100 Road
4.8 mi · 5 min · East 100 Road
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8
Continue on Central Avenue
2640 ft · 56 sec · Central Avenue
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9
Continue on East 100 Road
18.1 mi · 22 min · East 100 Road
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10
Continue on North Washington Street
35.6 mi · 43 min · North Washington Street
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11
Continue on North Vine Street
1.6 km · 2 min · North Vine Street
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Vine Street
38 m · 2 sec · North Vine Street
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13
Exit the roundabout onto North Vine Street
944 ft · 21 sec · North Vine Street
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14
Continue on North Vine Street
99 m · 8 sec · North Vine Street
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Vine Street
40 m · 2 sec · North Vine Street
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16
Exit the roundabout onto North Vine Street
1172 ft · 29 sec · North Vine Street
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17
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Vine Street
104 m · 8 sec · North Vine Street
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18
Exit the roundabout onto North Vine Street
2425 ft · 1 min · North Vine Street
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19
Turn right onto East 27th Street
1218 ft · 30 sec · East 27th Street
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20
Turn left onto Main Street
2212 ft · 1 min · Main Street
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21
At the end of the road, turn left onto Main Street
574 ft · 18 sec · Main Street
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22
Turn right
89 m · 21 sec
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Salem and Hays.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
North Washington Street
Continue on North Washington Street
35.6 mi · 00h 43m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Salem and Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny near Hays.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Salem to Hays?
The road trip is about 113.5 miles (182.7 km) and usually takes 02h 00m 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?
Glade is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56.2 miles from Salem and 57.3 miles from Hays.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 82 miles (132 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.5 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:30 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.33 one way or $30.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Salem and Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny near Hays.
Stop Ideas Near Glade
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 Glade.
Holdrege
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Salem and Hays. Straight-line distance: 82.01 mi (131.99 km).
#1 Salem
City (possibly historical)
| Population | 305 |
| Coordinates | 39.8716800, -98.4845000 |
| Altitude | 543 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Hays
City in Kansas, United States
| Population | 20,829 |
| Coordinates | 38.8791800, -99.3267700 |
| Altitude | 616 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-99.32671, 38.879268)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 183 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.82 | $15.33 | $30.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.19 | $16.80 | $33.60 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $18.26 | $36.52 |
| Diesel | $5.92 | $23.74 | $47.49 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026