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Trip from Fort Dodge, KS to Plainville, KS

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

Drive Time

2h 43m

Distance

128.3 mi

206 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 32m ★
6 AM
2h 43m
8 AM
3h 5m
10 AM
2h 51m
12 PM
2h 48m
3 PM
2h 52m
5 PM
3h 3m
8 PM
2h 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 and the county seat of, Webster County, Iowa, United States

Fort Dodge, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Plainville, KS, KS

Plainville, KS

Tien Nguyen

Trip Overview

The drive from Fort Dodge, KS to Plainville, KS covers 128.3 miles and takes about 2h 43m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 183, US 50, 250th Avenue for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 61 miles on US 183. At current regular gas prices, budget about $20.06 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

64.1 miles from Fort Dodge, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 43m. Total distance: 128.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (78%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 2h 43m highway drive covering 128.3 miles, with most of the trip on US 183 and US 50. The longest continuous stretch is about 61 miles on US 183.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 183 is the longest continuous segment at about 61 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 183 and US 50. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 400.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Fort Dodge, KS to Plainville, KS is easy. At 2h 43m with 78% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 400): Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles (117 Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 5.7 miles (US 50; US 56): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 7 key points

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

4
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 400

Turn right onto US 400

Navigation decision point

5
1.8 mi into trip | ~2m in | 117 Road

Turn sharp left onto 117 Road

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

4
5.7 mi into trip | ~9m in | US 50; US 56

Turn right onto US 50; US 56

Navigation decision point

5
104.7 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in | US 183 / North Vine Street

Enter roundabout onto US 183 / North Vine Street

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

5
105 mi into trip | ~2h 14m 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
US 183 61 mi 1h 19m
US 50 29.3 mi 34m
250th Avenue 22.3 mi 26m
US 56 7.9 mi 9m
117 Road 3.9 mi 6m
US 400 1.7 mi 2m
North Vine Street 1.6 mi 3m
Niles Avenue 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 183 — 61 mi, about 1h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fort Dodge, KS and Plainville, KS.

1

Start on this road

343 ft · 18 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto US 400

1.7 mi · 2 min · US 400
3

Turn sharp left onto 117 Road

3.9 mi · 6 min · 117 Road
4

Turn right onto US 50; US 56

29 mi · 34 min · US 50; US 56
5

Turn left onto US 183

0.5 mi · 45 sec · Niles Avenue
6

Turn right onto US 56; US 183

7.9 mi · 9 min · US 56; US 183
7

Continue on US 183

61 mi · 1 hr 19 min · US 183
8

Enter roundabout onto US 183

346 ft · 8 sec · North Vine Street
9

Continue on US 183

0.2 mi · 28 sec · North Vine Street
10

Enter roundabout onto US 183

127 ft · 2 sec · North Vine Street
11

Continue on US 183

342 ft · 8 sec · North Vine Street
12

Continue on US 183

0.2 mi · 21 sec · North Vine Street
13

Enter roundabout onto US 183

122 ft · 1 sec · North Vine Street
14

Continue on US 183

1.0 mi · 2 min · North Vine Street
15

Continue on US 183

22 mi · 26 min · 250th Avenue
16

Arrive at destination

US 183

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 64.1 miles from Fort Dodge, KS, or about 1h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61 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 28 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.1 miles or 1h 20m 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 14m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge, KS

This is one driving day of about 128.3 miles and 2h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Fort Dodge, 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 US 183 for about 61 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 64.1 mi from Fort Dodge, KS · 1h 20m into the drive

city in Kansas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hays, KS

64 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

Dodge City, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hays, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.1 miles from Fort Dodge, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 183 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61 miles.

Arriving in Plainville, KS

The final approach into Plainville, 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 Plainville, 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

Tom’s Kountry Kitchen

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kinsley, Kansas

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 36.6

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16206593299

Visit website

Windmill Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Spearville, Kansas

3 mi

Turbine Bar & Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Spearville, Kansas

3 mi

Tom’s Kountry Kitchen

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 36.6

Kinsley, Kansas

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16206593299

Visit website

TRIO Tap House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30 mile 100.8

Hays, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+17856212221

Visit website

Windmill Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.3

Spearville, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+16203852523

Visit website

Turbine Bar & Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.3

Spearville, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–11:30 pm

+16203852082

Pheasant Run | Pancake House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 100.8

Hays, Kansas

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+17856281044

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 100.8

Hays, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 100.8

Hays, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 100.8

Hays, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

Arcade 11 Bar & Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 100.8

Hays, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+17856214443

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.06 one way

$40.12 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $22.02 $44.05
premium $4.89 $24.69 $49.38
diesel $5.61 $28.33 $56.65

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.5 0 $13.47 $6.16
Efficient EV 32.1 0 $11.23 $5.13
EV Truck/SUV 51.3 0 $17.96 $8.21

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (67% 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 17, 2026

Origin

Fort Dodge, KS

Afternoon in Fort Dodge on Friday

Local time

3:53 PM

CDT

Current temp

87°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Plainville, KS

Afternoon in Plainville on Friday

Local time

3:53 PM

CDT

Current temp

86°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

1 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

2h 43m 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 Fort Dodge, KS to Plainville, KS covers 128.3 miles and takes about 2h 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 183, US 50, 250th Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 64.1 miles from Fort Dodge, KS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.06 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

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

The drive from Fort Dodge, KS to Plainville, KS is easy. At 2h 43m with 78% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 400): Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles (117 Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 5.7 miles (US 50; US 56): Navigation decision point.

The route from Fort Dodge, KS to Plainville, 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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