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Trip from Leavenworth, 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 21m

Distance

171.1 mi

275 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 10m ★
6 AM
3h 22m
8 AM
3h 46m
10 AM
3h 30m
12 PM
3h 28m
3 PM
3h 31m
5 PM
3h 44m
8 PM
3h 14m

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 and county seat of Leavenworth County, Kansas, United States

Leavenworth, KS

Wikimedia Commons

city in Cherokee County, Kansas, United States

Baxter Springs, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Leavenworth, KS to Baxter Springs, KS covers 171.1 miles and takes about 3h 21m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Overland Parkway, West Atkinson Road, I 435 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 104.3 miles on Overland Parkway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $26.75 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

85.6 miles from Leavenworth, 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 21m. Total distance: 171.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 3h 21m highway drive covering 171.1 miles, with most of the trip on Overland Parkway and West Atkinson Road. The longest continuous stretch is about 104.3 miles on Overland Parkway.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Overland Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 104.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Overland Parkway and West Atkinson Road. 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.

Driving Effort 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 171.1 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 34.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 35.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These 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
7
34.7 mi into trip | ~45m in

Take the exit toward US 69

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 81 Toward US 69
7
35.3 mi into trip | ~47m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 69 South: College Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward US 69 South: College Boulevard
7
35.5 mi into trip | ~47m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 69 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Toward US 69 South
6
171.1 mi into trip | ~3h 21m 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
Overland Parkway 104.3 mi 1h 53m
West Atkinson Road 18.7 mi 23m
I 435 13.9 mi 15m
North Main Street 12.3 mi 16m
US 69 Alternate 9.6 mi 12m
Kansas Turnpike 3.5 mi 3m
South 4th Street 3.2 mi 6m
US Historic 66 1.8 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Overland Parkway — 104.3 mi, about 1h 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

14 mi · 15 min · I 435
Use the straight lane.
9

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 81 Toward US 69 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward US 69 South: College Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
11

Keep slight right at fork

1.0 mi · 2 min
Toward US 69 South Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward US 69 South
13

Merge onto US 69

104 mi · 1 hr 53 min · Overland Parkway
Use the straight lane.
14

Take the exit onto US 69

319 ft · 8 sec · US 69
15

Merge onto US 69; US 160

19 mi · 23 min · West Atkinson Road
16

Continue on US 69 Alternate; US 400

7.4 mi · 8 min · US 69 Alternate; US 400
17

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
18

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
19

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

2.2 mi · 3 min · US 69 Alternate; US Historic 66; KS 66
20

Turn right onto US 166

50 ft · 0 sec · West 12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21

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 85.6 miles from Leavenworth, KS, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.3 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 38 miles or 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 85.6 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 42m

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 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 171.1 miles and 3h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Leavenworth, 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 Overland Parkway for about 104.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 85.6 mi from Leavenworth, KS · 1h 43m into the drive

city in Cass County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Garden City, MO

86 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

Lenexa, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fort Scott, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 85.6 miles from Leavenworth, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Overland Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 104.3 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.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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 171.1

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16208562828

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Overland Park, Kansas

2.8 mi

Rice House Chinese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 171.1

Baxter Springs, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16208562828

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 36.7

Overland Park, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19135993111

Visit website

Pegah's Family Restaurant - Roberts St

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.4

Shawnee, Kansas

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+19134223600

Visit website

Jose Pepper's

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.4

Shawnee, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19136311011

Visit website

The Restaurant KC

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.4

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19134997456

Visit website

Whataburger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 12.2

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19138715874

Visit website

Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 12.2

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+19133280003

Visit website

Pegah's Family Restaurant - Johnson Drive

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.4

Shawnee, Kansas

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+19139626700

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 146.7

Pittsburg, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 146.7

Pittsburg, Kansas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16202313100

Visit website

SWTCH Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 146.7

Pittsburg, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18447982438

Visit website

Game Show Battle Rooms - Kansas City (Overland Park)

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 36.7

Overland Park, Kansas

Hours: 9 am–9:30 pm

+19133501819

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.75 one way

$53.50 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 60 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $29.37 $58.74
premium $4.89 $32.93 $65.85
diesel $5.61 $37.78 $75.55

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

$27

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 59.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 51.3 0 $17.97 $8.21
Efficient EV 42.8 0 $14.97 $6.84
EV Truck/SUV 68.4 0 $23.95 $10.95

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 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 15, 2026

Origin

Leavenworth, KS

Afternoon in Leavenworth on Friday

Local time

3:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Baxter Springs, KS

Afternoon in Baxter Springs on Friday

Local time

3:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

55°F

Garden City, MO

86 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

7 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 21m 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 Baxter Springs, KS covers 171.1 miles and takes about 3h 21m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Overland Parkway, West Atkinson Road, I 435. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 85.6 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 $26.75 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 demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 171.1 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 34.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 35.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

The route from Leavenworth, 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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