How far is Ulysses, KS from Hays, KS?
The driving distance from Ulysses, KS to Hays, KS is about 189.2 miles (304.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142 miles (228.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 15m 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 07m.
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 Hodgeman County, Kansas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ulysses and Hays.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ulysses and Hays.
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1
Start on North Court Street
69 m · 15 sec · North Court Street
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2
Turn left onto East Grant Avenue
92 m · 15 sec · East Grant Avenue
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3
Turn right onto South Missouri Street
1563 ft · 50 sec · South Missouri Street
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4
Turn left onto East Oklahoma Avenue
27 mi · 36 min · East Oklahoma Avenue
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5
Take the ramp left
1906 ft · 52 sec
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6
Merge slight left
29 mi · 33 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
2180 ft · 1 min
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8
Turn right onto East Kansas Avenue
87.8 mi · 1 hr 43 min · East Kansas Avenue
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9
Turn left
46.9 mi · 57 min
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10
Turn left onto East 8th Street
1.3 km · 1 min · East 8th Street
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11
Turn right onto Main Street
1 km · 2 min · Main Street
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12
Turn left
89 m · 21 sec
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ulysses and Hays.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
East Kansas Avenue
Turn right onto East Kansas Avenue
87.8 mi · 01h 43m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Ulysses and Mostly Sunny near Hays.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ulysses to Hays?
The road trip is about 189.2 miles (304.5 km) and usually takes 03h 07m 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?
Jetmore is a useful midpoint, sitting about 96.6 miles from Ulysses and 92.6 miles from Hays.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142 miles (228.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.2 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 10:44 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.19 one way or $50.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ulysses and Mostly Sunny near Hays.
Stop Ideas Near Jetmore
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 Jetmore.
Dodge City
Garden City
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ulysses and Hays. Straight-line distance: 141.98 mi (228.49 km).
#1 Ulysses
City in and the county seat of Grant County, Kansas, United States
| Population | 5,546 |
| Coordinates | 37.5814100, -101.3551700 |
| Altitude | 930 |
| 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: 305 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.19 | $50.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.41 | $56.82 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.09 | $62.18 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.43 | $70.86 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.