How far is Shawnee, KS from Wathena, KS?
The driving distance from Shawnee, KS to Wathena, KS is about 64.4 miles (103.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 51.1 miles (82.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 34m 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 17m.
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 Kansas
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 Shawnee and Wathena.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Shawnee and Wathena.
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1
Start on Bond Street
977 ft · 45 sec · Bond Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto 47th Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · 47th Street
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3
Turn left onto Shawnee Drive
1.1 mi · 3 min · Shawnee Drive
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4
Take the ramp left toward I 635 North
934 ft · 23 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Harry Darby Memorial Highway
6.9 mi · 8 min · Harry Darby Memorial Highway
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6
Keep slight left to continue on Harry Darby Memorial Highway
2.8 mi · 3 min · Harry Darby Memorial Highway
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Harry Darby Memorial Highway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Harry Darby Memorial Highway
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 North, US 71 North: K.C.I. Airport, Saint Joseph
2291 ft · 49 sec
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9
Merge slight right
10.2 mi · 12 min
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10
Merge slight left
2.7 mi · 3 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
26 mi · 28 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
2673 ft · 54 sec
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13
Continue straight
4.5 mi · 5 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 36: Kansas, Cameron
939 ft · 23 sec
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15
Turn left
5.5 mi · 7 min
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16
Turn left onto Saint Joseph Street
1417 ft · 44 sec · Saint Joseph Street
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17
Turn right onto South 5th Street
28 m · 4 sec · South 5th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 5th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Shawnee and Wathena.
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 29 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
26 mi · 00h 28m
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 Shawnee and Sunny near Wathena.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Shawnee to Wathena?
The road trip is about 64.4 miles (103.7 km) and usually takes 01h 17m 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?
Leavenworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 32.2 miles from Shawnee and 32.2 miles from Wathena.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 51.1 miles (82.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.56 one way or $17.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 20.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Shawnee and Sunny near Wathena.
Stop Ideas Near Leavenworth
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Lansing Community and Economic Development
Platte City City Hall
Smithville Housing Authority
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Leavenworth.
Union Station
Lawrence
Independence
Lee's Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Shawnee and Wathena. Straight-line distance: 51.06 mi (82.18 km).
#1 Shawnee
The most populous city in Johnson County, Kansas.
| Population | 66,298 |
| Coordinates | 39.0416700, -94.7202400 |
| Altitude | 325 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Wathena
City in Doniphan County, Kansas, United States of America
| Population | 1,272 |
| Coordinates | 39.7591600, -94.9496900 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wathena (-94.94969, 39.75916)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 104 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.56 | $17.12 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.65 | $19.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.56 | $21.13 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.04 | $24.08 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.