How far is Salina, KS from Clay Center, KS?
The driving distance from Salina, KS to Clay Center, KS is about 68 miles (109.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 45.4 miles (73 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 39m 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 01h 19m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Salina and Clay Center.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salina and Clay Center.
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1
Start on South 8th Street
28 m · 9 sec · South 8th Street
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2
Turn left onto West Iron Avenue
85 m · 16 sec · West Iron Avenue
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3
Turn right onto North 9th Street
2.5 mi · 6 min · North 9th Street
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4
Turn left onto I 70 West: Hays
1238 ft · 32 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
1.2 mi · 1 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 81 North: Concordia
2464 ft · 42 sec
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7
Merge slight left
33.7 mi · 35 min
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8
Take the exit slight right
1865 ft · 53 sec
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9
Turn right onto Deer Road
16 mi · 19 min · Deer Road
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10
Continue on 18th Road
11.8 mi · 14 min · 18th Road
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11
Continue on West Crawford Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · West Crawford Street
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12
Turn right onto 6th Street
1248 ft · 27 sec · 6th Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Salina and Clay Center.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
US 81 North
Merge slight left
33.7 mi · 00h 35m
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 leaving Salina and Sunny near Clay Center.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Salina to Clay Center?
The road trip is about 68 miles (109.4 km) and usually takes 01h 19m 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?
Delphos is a useful midpoint, sitting about 34 miles from Salina and 34 miles from Clay Center.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 45.4 miles (73 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.6 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 3:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.05 one way or $18.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Salina and Sunny near Clay Center.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Salina and Clay Center. Straight-line distance: 45.34 mi (72.97 km).
#1 Salina
The most populous city in Saline County, Kansas.
| Population | 46,274 |
| Coordinates | 38.8402800, -97.6114200 |
| Altitude | 373 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Clay Center
City in Kansas
| Population | 4,173 |
| Coordinates | 39.3769400, -97.1247400 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clay Center (-97.12474, 39.37694)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 109 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.05 | $18.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.21 | $20.41 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.17 | $22.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.73 | $25.46 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.