Origin
Madison, KS
Night in Madison on Friday
Local time
9:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Madison, KS to Leavenworth, KS
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 42m
Distance
137.2 mi
221 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 32m
★
6 AM
2h 43m
8 AM
3h 4m
10 AM
2h 50m
12 PM
2h 48m
3 PM
2h 51m
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.
Madison, KS
Wikimedia Commons
Leavenworth, KS
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Madison, KS to Leavenworth, KS is 137.2 miles and takes about 2h 42m via Kansas Turnpike and KS-99, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward journey between two points in Kansas. With an 84% highway share, expect a relatively efficient trip focused on covering ground. It's a good option for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
68.6 miles from Madison, KS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 42m. Total distance: 137.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 84% of the route utilizing major roads like the Kansas Turnpike and K-7. You'll experience a solid 96-mile stretch on the Kansas Turnpike, which means consistent speeds and minimal interruptions for much of your journey. While predominantly highway, the inclusion of KS-99 suggests a potential shift to a more traditional highway feel as you approach your destination. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes directness over winding scenic byways.
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.
Kansas Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 96 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Kansas Turnpike and KS 99. You will hit about 19 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 23.4 miles in.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 137.2 miles you will encounter 19 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: at 23.4 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.6 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
23.4 mi into trip
|
~39m in
Enter roundabout toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
7
23.6 mi into trip
|
~39m in
Enter roundabout toward I 35 South: Wichita, Topeka
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 35 South: Wichita, Topeka
6
24 mi into trip
|
~40m in
Take the exit toward I 335 North: Topeka, Kansas City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 335 North: Topeka, Kansas City
8
120.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m in
Take the exit toward KS 7, US 73, US 24 West, US 40 West: Bonner Springs, Leavenworth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 224
Toward KS 7, US 73, US 24 West, US 40 West: Bon...
8
121 mi into trip
|
~2h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward KS 7 North, US 73 North, US 24 West, US 40 West: Lansing
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward KS 7 North, US 73 North, US 24 West, US...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Madison, KS and Leavenworth, KS, road signs point toward Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka.
Kansas City
23.4 mi in
|
~39m
Wichita
23.4 mi in
|
~39m
Topeka
23.4 mi in
|
~39m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Turnpike | 96 mi | 1h 36m |
| KS 99 | 19 mi | 30m |
| K-7 | 15.5 mi | 23m |
| West South Avenue | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| West 6th Avenue | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| West Madison | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Spruce Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Prairie Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Kansas Turnpike
— 96 mi, about 1h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Madison, KS and Leavenworth, KS.
1
Start on 3rd Street
71 ft
·
8 sec
·
3rd Street
2
Turn left onto KS 58
419 ft
·
11 sec
·
West Lincoln Street
3
Turn right onto KS 58
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
4th Street
4
Turn left onto KS 58
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West Madison
5
Turn right onto KS 99
19 mi
·
30 min
·
KS 99
6
Turn left onto West South Avenue
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
West South Avenue
7
Turn right onto Prairie Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Prairie Street
8
Turn left onto US 50
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
West 6th Avenue
9
Enter roundabout
31 ft
·
0 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
10
Continue
0.2 mi
·
10 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
11
Enter roundabout
440 ft
·
5 sec
Toward I 35 South: Wichita, Topeka
12
Continue
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 35 South: Wichita, Topeka
13
Merge onto I 35
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
I 35
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 335 North: Topeka, Kansas City
15
Merge onto I 335
96 mi
·
1 hr 36 min
·
Kansas Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 224
Toward KS 7, US 73, US 24 West, US 40 West: Bonner Springs, Leavenworth
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
238 ft
·
13 sec
Toward KS 7 North, US 73 North, US 24 West, US 40 West: Lansing
Use the straight / left lanes.
18
Turn left onto K-7
16 mi
·
23 min
·
K-7
Use the straight lane.
19
Turn left onto KS 92
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Spruce Street
20
Turn right
277 ft
·
20 sec
21
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour 42-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a leisurely pace. The longest stretch without a planned stop is 96 miles on the Kansas Turnpike, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on this segment. While only one stop is factored into the planning data, the relatively short overall drive time means you have flexibility to pull over if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering the longer highway portions.
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 68.6 miles from Madison, KS, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 96 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 30 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68.6 miles or 1h 24m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Leavenworth, KS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Madison, 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 Madison, KS
This is one driving day of about 137.2 miles and 2h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Madison, 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 Kansas Turnpike for about 96 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 68.6 mi from Madison, KS · 1h 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
69 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 68.6 miles from Madison, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Kansas Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 96 miles.
Arriving in Leavenworth, KS
The final approach into Leavenworth, 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 Leavenworth, 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
$21.45 one way
$42.90 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
48 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.55 | $47.10 |
| premium | $4.89 | $26.40 | $52.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.29 | $60.58 |
Estimated Tolls: $4.80
Kansas Turnpike
(96 mi)
$4.80
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
$21
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.2 | 0 | $14.41 | $6.59 |
| Efficient EV | 34.3 | 0 | $12.00 | $5.49 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.9 | 0 | $19.21 | $8.78 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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
Leavenworth, KS
Night in Leavenworth on Friday
Local time
9:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
54°F
Tecumseh, KS
69 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
30 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 42m 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 Madison, KS to Leavenworth, KS covers 137.2 miles and takes about 2h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Kansas Turnpike, KS 99, K-7. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 68.6 miles from Madison, KS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.45 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.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 137.2 miles you will encounter 19 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: at 23.4 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.6 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Madison, KS and Leavenworth, KS, road signs point toward Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka.
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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