Origin
Newton, KS
Evening in Newton on Sunday
Local time
5:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Newton, KS to Lenexa, KS
Drive Time
3h 9m
Distance
168.5 mi
271 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 58m
★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 33m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 15m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Newton, KS
www.kaboompics.com
Lenexa, KS
Tien Nguyen
Trip Overview
Connecting Newton to Lenexa via a 168.5-mile stretch across the Kansas Great Plains, this drive typically takes about 3 hours and 9 minutes. Because the trip is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $26 on fuel to complete the journey. The route primarily relies on I-35 and US-50, keeping you on major thoroughfares for the duration of the trip. If you are looking for a straightforward, efficient way to cross the state, this highway-focused path is a practical choice.
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
84.3 miles from Newton, KS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .
Drive Character
This journey is defined by its efficiency, with 98% of the route consisting of highway driving. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-35, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 96.1 miles. The road maintains a consistent, high-speed pace that is ideal for making good time between the two cities. Departing from Newton, you will quickly transition onto major roads like East Broadway Street before merging into the interstate flow. Expect a steady, predictable experience behind the wheel that prioritizes speed over technical maneuvering.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 35 is the longest continuous segment at about 96.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and US 50. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near East 5th Street.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 168.5 miles you will encounter 18 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 0.1 miles (East 5th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles (US 50): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 71.3 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
East 5th Street
Turn right onto East 5th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
2.2 mi into trip
|
~5m 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
71.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m 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
167.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m in
Take the exit toward 95th Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 224
Toward 95th Street
9
168.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m 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
Between Newton, KS and Lenexa, KS, road signs point toward Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka.
Kansas City
71.3 mi in
|
~1h 27m
Wichita
71.3 mi in
|
~1h 27m
Topeka
71.3 mi in
|
~1h 27m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 35 | 96.1 mi | 1h 38m |
| US 50 | 69 mi | 1h 21m |
| East Broadway Street | 1.1 mi | 3m |
| I 135 | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Lenexa Drive | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| North Oak Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Rosehill Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| East 5th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 96.1 mi, about 1h 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Newton, KS and Lenexa, KS.
1
Start on KS 15
286 ft
·
16 sec
·
North Main Street
2
Turn right onto East 5th Street
391 ft
·
17 sec
·
East 5th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on North Oak Street
0.2 mi
·
47 sec
·
North Oak Street
4
Turn right onto East Broadway Street
1.1 mi
·
3 min
·
East Broadway Street
5
Enter roundabout
330 ft
·
6 sec
6
Continue
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
7
Merge onto I 135; US 50; US 81
0.5 mi
·
30 sec
·
I 135; US 50; US 81
8
Take the exit onto US 50
26 mi
·
31 min
·
US 50
Exit 33
Toward US 50: Peabody, Emporia
9
Enter roundabout onto US 50
213 ft
·
9 sec
·
US 50
Toward US 50 East: Emporia
10
Continue on US 50
43 mi
·
50 min
·
US 50
Toward US 50 East: Emporia
11
Enter roundabout
364 ft
·
4 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
12
Continue
0.2 mi
·
10 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
13
Enter roundabout
30 ft
·
0 sec
Toward I 35 North: Kansas City
14
Continue
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 35 North: Kansas City
15
Merge onto I 35
95 mi
·
1 hr 37 min
·
I 35
Use the none lane.
16
Continue on I 35; US 56; US 169
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 35; US 56; US 169
Toward I 35 North, US 56 East, US 169 North: Des Moines
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Exit 224
Toward 95th Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
296 ft
·
7 sec
Toward 95th Street, Pittsburgh State University, Brown Mackie College
Use the right lane.
19
Turn straight onto West 95th Street
189 ft
·
3 sec
·
West 95th Street
20
Turn slight right onto Lenexa Drive
0.2 mi
·
56 sec
·
Lenexa Drive
Use the right lane.
21
Turn left onto Rosehill Road
500 ft
·
18 sec
·
Rosehill Road
22
Turn right
71 ft
·
10 sec
23
Turn left
256 ft
·
18 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since the drive is just over three hours, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time to avoid peak traffic near Lenexa. While you only strictly need one stop to complete the trip comfortably, taking a break near the halfway point can help you stay alert during the long interstate segments. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Newton to ensure you don't need to pay premium prices at remote stations along the 96.1-mile stretch of I-35. Because the route is almost entirely highway-based, check local traffic reports for the Kansas City metro area before you head out. Planning your arrival to miss rush hour will make the final leg of your 168.5-mile trip much smoother.
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 84.3 miles from Newton, KS, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 96.1 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 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.3 miles or 1h 41m 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 36m
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 Newton, 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 Newton, KS
This is one driving day of about 168.5 miles and 3h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Newton, 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 I 35 for about 96.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 84.3 mi from Newton, KS · 1h 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
84 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 84.3 miles from Newton, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 96.1 miles.
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
$25.59 one way
$51.19 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $28.21 | $56.43 |
| premium | $4.80 | $31.81 | $63.62 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $37.43 | $74.87 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.6 | 0 | $17.69 | $8.09 |
| Efficient EV | 42.1 | 0 | $14.74 | $6.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.4 | 0 | $23.59 | $10.78 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% 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
5:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
44°F
Valley Falls, KS
84 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
3 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
3h 9m 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 Newton, KS to Lenexa, KS covers 168.5 miles and takes about 3h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 35, US 50, East Broadway Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 84.3 miles from Newton, KS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.59 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 168.5 miles you will encounter 18 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 0.1 miles (East 5th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles (US 50): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 71.3 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Newton, KS and Lenexa, KS, road signs point toward Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka.
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