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Trip from Derby, KS to Baxter Springs, KS

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 44m

Distance

186.9 mi

301 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 32m ★
6 AM
3h 45m
8 AM
4h 10m
10 AM
3h 53m
12 PM
3h 51m
3 PM
3h 55m
5 PM
4h 9m
8 PM
3h 37m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Derbyshire, in the East Midlands region of England

Derby, KS

Wikimedia Commons

city in Cherokee County, Kansas, United States

Baxter Springs, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Derby, KS to Baxter Springs, KS covers 186.9 miles and takes about 3h 44m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway, Atomic Veterans Memorial Highway, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 70.6 miles on Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $29.22 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

93.5 miles from Derby, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 44m. Total distance: 186.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (14%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile.

Drive Character

Expect a 3h 44m drive with frequent turns across 186.9 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 70.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Main Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 186.9 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 5.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | East Main Street

Turn right onto East Main Street

Navigation decision point

5
5.8 mi into trip | ~9m in

Take the ramp

Navigation decision point

9
5.9 mi into trip | ~9m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35 North: El Dorado, Kansas City, Kansas Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 North: El Dorado, Kansas City, Kans...
5
10.6 mi into trip | ~14m in

Take the exit toward Webb Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 50 Toward Webb Road
6
186.9 mi into trip | ~3h 44m in | US 166 / West 12th Street

Turn right onto US 166 / West 12th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway 70.6 mi 1h 22m
Atomic Veterans Memorial Highway 61.9 mi 1h 11m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway 19.5 mi 23m
US 69 11 mi 12m
US 69 Alternate 9.6 mi 12m
South Southeast Boulevard 5.1 mi 7m
Kansas Turnpike 4.5 mi 4m
US Historic 66 1.8 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway — 70.6 mi, about 1h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Derby, KS and Baxter Springs, KS.

1

Start on this road

121 ft · 10 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto East Main Street

271 ft · 13 sec · East Main Street
3

Turn right onto KS 15

0.4 mi · 39 sec · North Baltimore Avenue
4

Continue on KS 15

5.1 mi · 7 min · South Southeast Boulevard
5

Turn right onto Turnpike Drive

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Turnpike Drive
6

Take the ramp

524 ft · 12 sec
7

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 35 North: El Dorado, Kansas City, Kansas Turnpike Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8

Merge onto I 35

4.5 mi · 4 min · Kansas Turnpike
9

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 50 Toward Webb Road
10

Continue on East Kellogg Drive

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Kellogg Drive
11

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward US 54 East, US 400 East
12

Merge onto US 54; US 400

12 mi · 15 min · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on US 54; US 400

0.7 mi · 1 min · West 7th Avenue
14

Continue on US 54; US 77; US 400

7.0 mi · 8 min · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
15

Continue on US 400

62 mi · 1 hr 11 min · Atomic Veterans Memorial Highway
16

Enter roundabout onto US 400

157 ft · 2 sec · Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway
17

Continue on US 400

71 mi · 1 hr 22 min · Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Turn right onto US 69; US 160; US 400

11 mi · 12 min · US 69; US 160; US 400
19

Continue on US 69 Alternate; US 400

7.4 mi · 8 min · US 69 Alternate; US 400
20

Enter roundabout onto US Historic 66; US 69 Alternate; US 400; KS 66

154 ft · 2 sec · US Historic 66; US 69 Alternate; US 400; KS 66
21

Continue on US Historic 66; US 69 Alternate; US 400; KS 66

1.8 mi · 2 min · US Historic 66; US 69 Alternate; US 400; KS 66
22

Continue on US 69 Alternate; US Historic 66; KS 66

2.2 mi · 3 min · US 69 Alternate; US Historic 66; KS 66
23

Turn right onto US 166

50 ft · 0 sec · West 12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
24

Arrive at destination

US 166

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 93.5 miles from Derby, KS, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.6 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 41 miles or 53m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 93.5 miles or 1h 54m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 3m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Baxter Springs, KS than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Derby, KS so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Derby, KS

This is one driving day of about 186.9 miles and 3h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Derby, KS.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway for about 70.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 93.5 mi from Derby, KS · 1h 54m into the drive

city in and county seat of Wilson County, Kansas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Fredonia, KS

93 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Augusta, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fredonia, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 93.5 miles from Derby, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 70.6 miles.

Arriving in Baxter Springs, KS

The final approach into Baxter Springs, KS usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Baxter Springs, KS.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Rice House Chinese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Baxter Springs, Kansas

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 186.9

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16208562828

Visit website

The Kitchen Table

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fredonia, Kansas

1.8 mi

Kitchen Pass Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Parsons, Kansas

1.8 mi

Rice House Chinese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 186.9

Baxter Springs, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16208562828

Visit website

The Kitchen Table

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.5

Fredonia, Kansas

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+16206071200

Kitchen Pass Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 133.5

Parsons, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16204211907

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 133.5

Parsons, KS

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 13.4

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 13.4

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 13.4

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 160.2

Pittsburg, Kansas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16202313100

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.22 one way

$58.44 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $32.08 $64.16
premium $4.89 $35.97 $71.93
diesel $5.61 $41.27 $82.53

Estimated Tolls: $0.22

Kansas Turnpike (4.5 mi) $0.22

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 65.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 56.1 0 $19.62 $8.97
Efficient EV 46.7 0 $16.35 $7.48
EV Truck/SUV 74.8 0 $26.17 $11.96

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Derby, KS

Afternoon in Derby on Friday

Local time

3:16 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Baxter Springs, KS

Afternoon in Baxter Springs on Friday

Local time

3:16 PM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

75°F

Fredonia, KS

93 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

18 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 44m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Derby, KS to Baxter Springs, KS covers 186.9 miles and takes about 3h 44m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway, Atomic Veterans Memorial Highway, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 93.5 miles from Derby, KS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.22 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 186.9 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 5.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

The route from Derby, KS to Baxter Springs, KS does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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