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Trip from Derby, KS to Hays, KS

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

Drive Time

3h 23m

Distance

193.2 mi

311 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

8 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 12m ★
6 AM
3h 24m
8 AM
3h 48m
10 AM
3h 32m
12 PM
3h 30m
3 PM
3h 33m
5 PM
3h 47m
8 PM
3h 16m

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 Kansas, United States

Hays, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Derby, KS to Hays, KS covers 193.2 miles and takes about 3h 23m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 135, Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, South Southeast Boulevard for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 92.4 miles on I 135. At current regular gas prices, budget about $30.20 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

96.6 miles from Derby, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 23m. Total distance: 193.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (48%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

The drive from Derby, KS to Hays, KS covers 193.2 miles and takes about 3h 23m, using a mix of highways and local roads.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 135 is the longest continuous segment at about 92.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Main Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 23m drive. You will face about 15 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 7.2 miles (I 135; US 81; KS 15): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 191.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 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
7.2 mi into trip | ~11m in | I 135; US 81; KS 15

Merge onto I 135; US 81; KS 15

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
191.1 mi into trip | ~3h 18m in

Take the exit toward US 183, Hays, Stockton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 183, Hays, Stockton
7
191.3 mi into trip | ~3h 19m in | US 183 / North Vine Street

Merge onto US 183 / North Vine Street

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
191.6 mi into trip | ~3h 19m in | US 183 / North Vine Street

Enter roundabout onto US 183 / North Vine Street

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 135 92.4 mi 1h 35m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 91.3 mi 1h 31m
South Southeast Boulevard 6.3 mi 9m
North Vine Street 1.1 mi 2m
Main Street 0.5 mi 1m
North Baltimore Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
East 27th Street 0.2 mi <1m
East Main Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 135 — 92.4 mi, about 1h 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Derby, KS and Hays, 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

6.3 mi · 9 min · South Southeast Boulevard
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Toward I 135 North, US 81 North, KS 15 North: Salina
6

Merge onto I 135; US 81; KS 15

27 mi · 29 min · I 135; US 81; KS 15
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on I 135; US 50; US 81

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 135; US 50; US 81
8

Continue on I 135; US 81

63 mi · 1 hr 3 min · I 135; US 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 70 West: Hays
10

Merge onto I 70; US 40

91 mi · 1 hr 31 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward US 183, Hays, Stockton
12

Merge onto US 183

260 ft · 6 sec · North Vine Street
Use the right lane.
13

Enter roundabout onto US 183

342 ft · 4 sec · North Vine Street
14

Continue on US 183

0.2 mi · 21 sec · North Vine Street
15

Continue on US 183

323 ft · 8 sec · North Vine Street
16

Enter roundabout onto US 183

132 ft · 2 sec · North Vine Street
17

Continue on US 183

0.2 mi · 28 sec · North Vine Street
18

Enter roundabout onto US 183

341 ft · 8 sec · North Vine Street
19

Continue on US 183

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Vine Street
20

Turn right onto East 27th Street

0.2 mi · 29 sec · East 27th Street
21

Turn left onto Main Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Main Street
22

At end of road, turn left onto Main Street

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Main Street
23

Turn right

292 ft · 21 sec
24

Arrive at destination

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 96.6 miles from Derby, KS, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.4 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 43 miles or 50m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 96.6 miles or 1h 43m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 46m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hays, 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 193.2 miles and 3h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 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 I 135 for about 92.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 96.6 mi from Derby, KS · 1h 43m into the drive

city in and the county seat of Saline County, Kansas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Salina, KS

97 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.

Popular next leg

Salina, KS to Hays, KS

97.8 mi · 1h 44m

Pacing Suggestions

Newton, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Salina, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 96.6 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 I 135 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 92.4 miles.

Arriving in Hays, KS

The final approach into Hays, 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 Hays, 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

TRIO Tap House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Hays, Kansas

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 193.2

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+17856212221

Visit website

Pheasant Run | Pancake House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Hays, Kansas

1 mi

TRIO Tap House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 193.2

Hays, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+17856212221

Visit website

Pheasant Run | Pancake House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 193.2

Hays, Kansas

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+17856281044

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 193.2

Hays, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 13.8

Wichita, KS

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 193.2

Hays, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 96.6

Salina, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 193.2

Hays, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 96.6

Salina, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 69

McPherson, Kansas

+18332172197

EV Connect Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 69

McPherson, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Arcade 11 Bar & Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 193.2

Hays, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+17856214443

Visit website

Great Plains Nature Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 13.8

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13166835499

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.20 one way

$60.41 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $33.16 $66.33
premium $4.89 $37.18 $74.36
diesel $5.61 $42.66 $85.31

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 67.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

8 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

ChargePoint Charging Station

Wichita, KS

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

EVgo Charging Station

Salina, Kansas

EVgo

1 DCFC

Electrify America Charging Station

Hays, Kansas

Electrify America

1 DCFC

Electrify America Charging Station

Salina, Kansas

Electrify America

1 DCFC

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

McPherson, Kansas

Other

1 DCFC

Rivian Adventure Network

Hays, Kansas

Rivian

1 DCFC

EV Connect Charging Station

McPherson, Kansas

EV Connect

1 DCFC

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Hays, Kansas

InCharge

1 DCFC

Electrify America: 2 ChargePoint: 1 EVgo: 1 Other: 1 Rivian: 1 EV Connect: 1 InCharge: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 58 0 $20.29 $9.27
Efficient EV 48.3 0 $16.90 $7.73
EV Truck/SUV 77.3 0 $27.05 $12.36

Gas CO2

68 kg

EV CO2

23 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

3:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Hays, KS

Afternoon in Hays on Friday

Local time

3:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

11 degrees warmer at arrival

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

Road read

3h 23m 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 Hays, KS covers 193.2 miles and takes about 3h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 135, Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, South Southeast Boulevard. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 96.6 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 $30.20 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 is a straightforward 3h 23m drive. You will face about 15 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 7.2 miles (I 135; US 81; KS 15): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 191.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

The route from Derby, KS to Hays, 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, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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