Origin
Leavenworth, KS
Evening in Leavenworth on Sunday
Local time
8:19 PM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Leavenworth, KS to Lenexa, KS
Drive Time
49m
Distance
35.3 mi
57 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 45m
★
6 AM
0h 49m
8 AM
0h 57m
10 AM
0h 52m
12 PM
0h 51m
3 PM
0h 52m
5 PM
0h 57m
8 PM
0h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Leavenworth, KS
Tien Nguyen
Lenexa, KS
Tien Nguyen
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Leavenworth to Lenexa, you are looking at a manageable 35.3-mile journey that typically takes about 49 minutes to complete. Because this route is entirely within the Great Plains, you can expect a straightforward transition between these two Kansas cities. This drive is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, meaning you will not need to worry about overnight accommodations or complicated travel logistics. With a fuel budget of just $5, it is an incredibly cost-effective way to navigate the region. Whether you are commuting or heading out for local errands, the simplicity of this short drive makes it a stress-free option for your schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
17.6 miles from Leavenworth, KS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 26m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition from local streets to major thoroughfares. You will start your journey with the longest uninterrupted stretch of 12.3 miles on North Main Street before shifting onto the faster-paced I-435 and the Kansas Turnpike. With highway travel accounting for 45% of the total distance, the route balances urban navigation with quicker interstate transit. The character of the road changes noticeably as you leave the local feel of the initial stretch and merge into the busier, high-speed flow of the turnpike. It is a functional drive that requires your full attention during the transition between road types.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
North Main Street is the longest continuous segment at about 12.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16.1 miles in near US 24; US 40.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 35.3 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 16.1 miles (US 24; US 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
16.1 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
US 24; US 40
Take the exit onto US 24; US 40 toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East
8
31.7 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Take the exit toward I 35, US 50 West, US 56, US 169: Wichita, Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 83
Toward I 35, US 50 West, US 56, US 169: Wichita...
8
32.1 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35, US 50 West, US 56, US 169: Wichita, Des Moines
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 35, US 50 West, US 56, US 169: Wichita...
7
33.2 mi into trip
|
~44m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35 North: Des Moines
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35 North: Des Moines
9
34.8 mi into trip
|
~47m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 95th Street, Pittsburgh State University, Brown Mackie College
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward 95th Street, Pittsburgh State University...
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Leavenworth, KS to Lenexa, KS, road signs begin pointing toward Des Moines along the way.
Des Moines
31.7 mi in
|
~42m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Main Street | 12.3 mi | 16m |
| I 435 | 10.9 mi | 11m |
| Kansas Turnpike | 3.5 mi | 3m |
| South 4th Street | 3.2 mi | 6m |
| I 35 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Spruce Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| US 24 | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Lenexa Drive | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
North Main Street
— 12.3 mi, about 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Leavenworth, KS and Lenexa, KS.
1
Start on this road
277 ft
·
25 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn left onto KS 92
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Spruce Street
3
Turn right onto US 73; K-7
3.2 mi
·
6 min
·
South 4th Street
Use the none lane.
4
Continue on US 73; K-7
12 mi
·
16 min
·
North Main Street
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the exit onto US 24; US 40
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 24; US 40
Toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East
Use the slight right lane.
6
Merge onto I 70; US 24; US 40
3.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Kansas Turnpike
7
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 411A
Toward I 435 South
8
Merge onto I 435
11 mi
·
11 min
·
I 435
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 83
Toward I 35, US 50 West, US 56, US 169: Wichita, Des Moines
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
1.1 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 35, US 50 West, US 56, US 169: Wichita, Des Moines
Use the straight lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 35 North: Des Moines
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 35; US 56; US 169
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
I 35; US 56; US 169
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Exit 224
Toward 95th Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
296 ft
·
7 sec
Toward 95th Street, Pittsburgh State University, Brown Mackie College
Use the right lane.
15
Turn straight onto West 95th Street
189 ft
·
3 sec
·
West 95th Street
16
Turn slight right onto Lenexa Drive
0.2 mi
·
56 sec
·
Lenexa Drive
Use the right lane.
17
Turn left onto Rosehill Road
500 ft
·
18 sec
·
Rosehill Road
18
Turn right
71 ft
·
10 sec
19
Turn left
256 ft
·
18 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak commuting hours on the turnpike is always a smart move. You will not need to plan for any formal stops during this 49-minute drive, as the distance is short enough to handle in one go. Keep your $5 fuel budget in mind, but rest assured that local services are readily available if you need to top off your tank. My best advice for this specific route is to stay vigilant when merging from North Main Street onto the larger highways, as traffic patterns can shift quickly. Enjoy the efficiency of this quick Kansas commute.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 17.6 miles from Leavenworth, KS, or about 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 12.3 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 35.3 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 17.6 miles or 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lenexa, KS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Leavenworth, 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 Leavenworth, KS
This is one driving day of about 35.3 miles and 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Leavenworth, KS.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on North Main Street for about 12.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 17.6 mi from Leavenworth, KS · 26m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
18 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 35.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 17.6 miles from Leavenworth, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Lenexa, KS
The final approach into Lenexa, 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 Lenexa, KS.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$5.36 one way
$10.72 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
12 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $5.91 | $11.82 |
| premium | $4.80 | $6.66 | $13.33 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $7.84 | $15.68 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.18
Kansas Turnpike
(3.5 mi)
$0.18
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
$5
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 12.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.6 | 0 | $3.71 | $1.69 |
| Efficient EV | 8.8 | 0 | $3.09 | $1.41 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14.1 | 0 | $4.94 | $2.26 |
Gas CO2
12 kg
EV CO2
4 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.
Destination
Lenexa, KS
Evening in Lenexa on Sunday
Local time
8:19 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°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
20 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
49m 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 Leavenworth, KS to Lenexa, KS covers 35.3 miles and takes about 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are North Main Street, I 435, Kansas Turnpike. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 17.6 miles from Leavenworth, KS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.36 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 35.3 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 16.1 miles (US 24; US 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Leavenworth, KS to Lenexa, KS, road signs begin pointing toward Des Moines along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Lenexa, KS
More trips to Lenexa, KS
Explore more options from Leavenworth, KS or browse trips ending in Lenexa, KS.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse KS road trips.
Explore maps for Leavenworth, KS or Lenexa, KS on MapSof.net.