Origin
Moundridge, KS
Night in Moundridge on Sunday
Local time
9:19 PM
CDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Moundridge, KS to Kansas City, KS
Drive Time
3h 39m
Distance
199.1 mi
320 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 27m
★
6 AM
3h 39m
8 AM
4h 4m
10 AM
3h 48m
12 PM
3h 45m
3 PM
3h 49m
5 PM
4h 3m
8 PM
3h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Moundridge, KS
Tien Nguyen
Trip Overview
Spanning 199.1 miles across the heart of the Great Plains, this drive from Moundridge to Kansas City is a straightforward trek that typically takes 3 hours and 39 minutes. Because the route is compact, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $30 for fuel to complete the journey. By sticking primarily to major corridors like the Kansas Turnpike, US 50, and I-135, you get a reliable path through the Kansas landscape. Whether you are heading to the city for business or a quick getaway, the trip is efficient and easy to navigate.
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
99.6 miles from Moundridge, KS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 55m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highly efficient experience, as 98% of this journey is spent on major highways. The road maintains a consistent pace, characterized by a mix of I-135 and the Kansas Turnpike, which serves as the backbone of your travel. You will find yourself settling into a long, steady rhythm, particularly during the 110.4-mile stretch on the turnpike. This is a highway-focused drive that prioritizes speed and directness over technical maneuvers or winding backroads. Behind the wheel, you will notice a transition from the rural plains toward the more developed infrastructure surrounding Kansas City.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 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 110.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Kansas Turnpike and US 50. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.7 miles in.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 199.1 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 15.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.8 miles (US 50): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.9 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. 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.
7
15.7 mi into trip
|
~16m in
Take the exit toward First Street, Broadway Street
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 First Street, Broadway Street
6
16.8 mi into trip
|
~18m in
|
US 50
Take the exit onto US 50 toward US 50: Peabody, Emporia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 33
Toward US 50: Peabody, Emporia
6
85.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m 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
86.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m 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
9
197.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 34m in
|
US 69
Take the exit onto US 69 toward US 69 North, US 169 South
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 422A
Toward US 69 North, US 169 South
Towns Along This Route
Between Moundridge, KS and Kansas City, KS, road signs point toward Emporia, Wichita and Topeka.
Emporia
16.8 mi in
|
~18m
|
via US 50
Wichita
85.9 mi in
|
~1h 40m
Topeka
85.9 mi in
|
~1h 40m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Turnpike | 110.4 mi | 1h 51m |
| US 50 | 69 mi | 1h 21m |
| I 135 | 14.3 mi | 14m |
| South 7th Street Trafficway | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| Arrowhead Road | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Cole Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| I 70 | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| US 69 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Kansas Turnpike
— 110.4 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Moundridge, KS and Kansas City, KS.
1
Start on Cole Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Cole Street
2
Continue on Arrowhead Road
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Arrowhead Road
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
4
Merge onto I 135; US 81
13 mi
·
13 min
·
I 135; US 81
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on I 135; US 50; US 81
0.4 mi
·
24 sec
·
I 135; US 50; US 81
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward First Street, Broadway Street
Use the slight right lane.
7
Enter roundabout
412 ft
·
8 sec
8
Continue
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
9
Merge onto I 135; US 50; US 81
0.5 mi
·
30 sec
·
I 135; US 50; US 81
10
Take the exit onto US 50
26 mi
·
31 min
·
US 50
Exit 33
Toward US 50: Peabody, Emporia
11
Enter roundabout onto US 50
213 ft
·
9 sec
·
US 50
Toward US 50 East: Emporia
12
Continue on US 50
43 mi
·
50 min
·
US 50
Toward US 50 East: Emporia
13
Enter roundabout
364 ft
·
4 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
14
Continue
0.2 mi
·
10 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
15
Enter roundabout
440 ft
·
5 sec
Toward I 35 South: Wichita, Topeka
16
Continue
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 35 South: Wichita, Topeka
17
Merge onto I 35
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
I 35
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 335 North: Topeka, Kansas City
19
Merge onto I 335
110 mi
·
1 hr 51 min
·
Kansas Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70; US 24; US 40; US 69
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
I 70; US 24; US 40; US 69
Toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East, US 69 North: Saint Louis
21
Take the exit onto US 69
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
US 69
Exit 422A
Toward US 69 North, US 169 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn left onto US 69
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
South 7th Street Trafficway
Toward US 69 North
Use the left lane.
23
Turn left onto Armstrong Avenue
282 ft
·
17 sec
·
Armstrong Avenue
24
Turn left
149 ft
·
10 sec
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 3 hour and 39 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Plan for at least one stop during your 199.1-mile journey to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the majority of your time is spent on the Kansas Turnpike, keep your payment method or toll pass ready to ensure a smooth transit through those sections. If you want to avoid the heaviest traffic, aim to time your arrival in Kansas City to steer clear of typical rush hour windows. Keeping your fuel levels topped off before hitting the turnpike will help you maintain a stress-free pace for the duration of the trip.
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 99.6 miles from Moundridge, KS, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.4 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 80 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99.6 miles or 1h 55m 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 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kansas City, KS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Moundridge, 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 Moundridge, KS
This is one driving day of about 199.1 miles and 3h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Moundridge, 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 110.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 99.6 mi from Moundridge, KS · 1h 55m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
100 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 99.6 miles from Moundridge, 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 110.4 miles.
Arriving in Kansas City, KS
The final approach into Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.24 one way
$60.48 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
70 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $33.34 | $66.67 |
| premium | $4.80 | $37.59 | $75.17 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $44.23 | $88.47 |
Estimated Tolls: $5.52
Kansas Turnpike
(110.4 mi)
$5.52
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
$30
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 59.7 | 0 | $20.91 | $9.56 |
| Efficient EV | 49.8 | 0 | $17.42 | $7.96 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 79.6 | 0 | $27.87 | $12.74 |
Gas CO2
70 kg
EV CO2
23 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
Kansas City, KS
Night in Kansas City on Sunday
Local time
9:19 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
44°F
Valley Falls, KS
100 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
4 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 39m 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 Moundridge, KS to Kansas City, KS covers 199.1 miles and takes about 3h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Kansas Turnpike, US 50, I 135. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 99.6 miles from Moundridge, KS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.24 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 19 significant decision points across 199.1 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 15.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.8 miles (US 50): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.9 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Moundridge, KS and Kansas City, KS, road signs point toward Emporia, Wichita and Topeka.
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