How far is Wathena, KS from Lenexa, KS?
The driving distance from Wathena, KS to Lenexa, KS is about 69.9 miles (112.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 56.9 miles (91.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 11m 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 05m.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wathena and Lenexa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wathena and Lenexa.
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1
Start on South 5th Street
28 m · 11 sec · South 5th Street
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2
Turn left onto Monument Road
117 m · 11 sec · Monument Road
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3
Turn right onto Saint Joseph Street
1033 ft · 28 sec · Saint Joseph Street
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4
Turn right onto Highway 36
5.5 mi · 7 min · Highway 36
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 229 South, US 59 South: Kansas City
954 ft · 15 sec
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6
Merge slight left
4.5 mi · 5 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
1705 ft · 29 sec
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8
Merge slight left
25.1 mi · 27 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 435 South: Topeka
1 km · 40 sec
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10
Merge slight left
29.6 mi · 32 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 35, US 50 West, US 56, US 169: Wichita, Des Moines
2081 ft · 36 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, US 50 West, US 56, US 169: Wichita, Des Moines
1.1 mi · 1 min
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13
Keep slight left to continue on I 35 North: Des Moines
3082 ft · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward 95th Street
805 ft · 20 sec
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16
Keep slight right to continue on 95th Street, Pittsburgh State University, Brown Mackie College
90 m · 7 sec
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17
Turn straight onto West 95th Street
58 m · 4 sec · West 95th Street
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18
Turn slight right onto Lenexa Drive
1165 ft · 57 sec · Lenexa Drive
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19
Turn left onto Rosehill Road
152 m · 19 sec · Rosehill Road
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20
Turn right
22 m · 11 sec
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21
Turn left
78 m · 19 sec
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wathena and Lenexa.
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 435 South
Merge slight left
29.6 mi · 00h 32m
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 Wathena and Sunny near Lenexa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wathena to Lenexa?
The road trip is about 69.9 miles (112.5 km) and usually takes 01h 05m 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 34.9 miles from Wathena and 35 miles from Lenexa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 56.9 miles (91.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 13 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 4:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.31 one way or $18.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Wathena and Sunny near Lenexa.
Stop Ideas Near Leavenworth
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Lansing Community and Economic Development
Gladstone City Hall
James P. Davis Hall
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 Wathena and Lenexa. Straight-line distance: 56.84 mi (91.48 km).
#1 Wathena
City in Doniphan County, Kansas, United States of America
| Population | 1,272 |
| Coordinates | 39.7591600, -94.9496900 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lenexa
The most populous city in Johnson County, Kansas.
| Population | 56,156 |
| Coordinates | 38.9536200, -94.7335700 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-94.73357, 38.953456)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 113 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.31 | $18.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.50 | $21.01 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.50 | $22.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.10 | $26.20 |
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.