How far is Smith Center, KS from Fort Dodge, KS?
The driving distance from Smith Center, KS to Fort Dodge, KS is about 193.9 miles (312 km), with a travel time of about 03h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 154.4 miles (248.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 47m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 23m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Human settlement in Ellis County, Kansas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Smith Center and Fort Dodge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Smith Center and Fort Dodge.
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1
Start on the route
11 m · 5 sec
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2
Turn right onto East 1st Street
67 m · 12 sec · East 1st Street
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3
Turn right onto North Main Street
2195 ft · 43 sec · North Main Street
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4
Turn left
28.6 mi · 33 min
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5
Turn left onto East 100 Road
4.8 mi · 5 min · East 100 Road
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6
Continue on Central Avenue
2640 ft · 56 sec · Central Avenue
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7
Continue on East 100 Road
18.1 mi · 22 min · East 100 Road
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8
Continue on North Washington Street
35.6 mi · 43 min · North Washington Street
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9
Continue on North Vine Street
1.6 km · 2 min · North Vine Street
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Vine Street
38 m · 2 sec · North Vine Street
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11
Exit the roundabout onto North Vine Street
944 ft · 21 sec · North Vine Street
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12
Continue on North Vine Street
99 m · 8 sec · North Vine Street
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13
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Vine Street
40 m · 2 sec · North Vine Street
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14
Exit the roundabout onto North Vine Street
1172 ft · 29 sec · North Vine Street
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Vine Street
104 m · 8 sec · North Vine Street
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16
Exit the roundabout onto North Vine Street
2.2 mi · 5 min · North Vine Street
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17
Continue on 250th Avenue
66.7 mi · 1 hr 24 min · 250th Avenue
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18
Turn left onto Niles Avenue
2707 ft · 48 sec · Niles Avenue
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19
Turn right onto East 10th Street
29.3 mi · 34 min · East 10th Street
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20
Turn left onto 117 Road
3.9 mi · 7 min · 117 Road
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21
Turn sharp right
1.7 mi · 2 min
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22
Turn left
104 m · 15 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 Smith Center and Fort Dodge.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
250th Avenue
Continue on 250th Avenue
66.7 mi · 01h 24m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Smith Center and Mostly Sunny near Fort Dodge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Smith Center to Fort Dodge?
The road trip is about 193.9 miles (312 km) and usually takes 03h 23m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Schoenchen is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97 miles from Smith Center and 96.9 miles from Fort Dodge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 154.4 miles (248.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.5 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.79 one way or $51.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 60.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Smith Center and Mostly Sunny near Fort Dodge.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Smith Center and Fort Dodge. Straight-line distance: 154.43 mi (248.53 km).
#1 Smith Center
City in Kansas
| Population | 1,553 |
| Coordinates | 39.7791800, -98.7850700 |
| Altitude | 547 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fort Dodge
City in and county seat of Ford County, Kansas, United States
| Population | 28,075 |
| Coordinates | 37.7319600, -99.9354100 |
| Altitude | 751 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-99.935528, 37.731981)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 312 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.79 | $51.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.09 | $58.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.83 | $63.67 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.28 | $72.56 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.