Origin
Salina, KS
Evening in Salina on Sunday
Local time
7:11 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Salina, KS to Belle Plaine, KS
Drive Time
2h 7m
Distance
111.5 mi
179 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 58m
★
6 AM
2h 7m
8 AM
2h 25m
10 AM
2h 14m
12 PM
2h 12m
3 PM
2h 15m
5 PM
2h 24m
8 PM
2h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Salina, KS
Alan Wang
Trip Overview
Traveling from Salina to Belle Plaine covers 111.5 miles across the Kansas Great Plains, typically requiring about 2 hours and 7 minutes behind the wheel. Because this is a relatively short distance, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via I-135, the Kansas Turnpike, and North Broadway Road. With an estimated fuel cost of $17, the trip is quite budget-friendly for a solo driver or a small group. Whether you are heading south for business or a visit, the route is designed for efficiency and steady movement through the heart of the state.
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
55.8 miles from Salina, KS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h into the drive .
Drive Character
This highway-focused drive is dominated by high-speed transit, with 88% of the journey spent on major thoroughfares. You should be prepared for a consistent pace, particularly during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 89.7 miles on I-135. The character of the road is utilitarian and direct, favoring speed over winding, technical maneuvers. As you transition from the interstate onto the Kansas Turnpike and local roads like North Broadway, you will notice the environment remain firmly rooted in the open landscapes of the Great Plains. Expect a smooth, predictable experience that prioritizes getting you to Belle Plaine with minimal deviation.
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 135 is the longest continuous segment at about 89.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 135 and Kansas Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Iron Avenue.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 111.5 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: near the start (West Iron Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles (West Claflin Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles (I 135; US 81): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West Iron Avenue
Turn right onto West Iron Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
1.9 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
West Claflin Avenue
At end of road, turn right onto West Claflin Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
3.8 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
I 135; US 81
Merge onto I 135; US 81
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
102.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
Take the exit toward US 81, KS 53: Mulvane
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 33
Toward US 81, KS 53: Mulvane
6
102.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 52m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Casino Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward Casino Drive
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 135 | 89.7 mi | 1h 34m |
| Kansas Turnpike | 8.6 mi | 8m |
| North Broadway Road | 5.5 mi | 8m |
| East 90th Avenue North | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| South Santa Fe Avenue | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| South 9th Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| West Magnolia Road | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| West 4th Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 135
— 89.7 mi, about 1h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salina, KS and Belle Plaine, KS.
1
Start on South 8th Street
92 ft
·
5 sec
·
South 8th Street
2
Turn right onto West Iron Avenue
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
West Iron Avenue
3
Turn right onto South Santa Fe Avenue
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
South Santa Fe Avenue
4
At end of road, turn right onto West Claflin Avenue
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
West Claflin Avenue
5
Turn left onto South 9th Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South 9th Street
6
Turn right
140 ft
·
5 sec
7
Turn right onto West Magnolia Road
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
West Magnolia Road
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
9
Merge onto I 135; US 81
57 mi
·
57 min
·
I 135; US 81
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on I 135; US 50; US 81
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
I 135; US 50; US 81
Use the none lane.
11
Continue on I 135; US 81
30 mi
·
34 min
·
I 135; US 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 35 South: Oklahoma City
13
Merge onto I 35
8.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Kansas Turnpike
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 33
Toward US 81, KS 53: Mulvane
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward Casino Drive
16
Turn right onto Kansas Star Drive
391 ft
·
16 sec
·
Kansas Star Drive
17
Continue on Kansas Star Drive
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Kansas Star Drive
18
Turn right onto 144th Avenue
285 ft
·
13 sec
·
144th Avenue
19
Turn left onto US 81
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
North Broadway Road
20
Continue on North Broadway Road
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
North Broadway Road
21
Turn left onto East 90th Avenue North
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
East 90th Avenue North
22
Continue on West 4th Avenue
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
West 4th Avenue
23
Turn left onto North Merchant Street
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
North Merchant Street
24
Arrive at destination
North Merchant Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though leaving mid-morning can help you avoid any localized commuter traffic near the urban centers. Because there are no mandatory stops scheduled, you can easily complete the entire 111.5-mile journey in one go without needing extended rest breaks. Keep your $17 fuel budget in mind when filling up, as prices can fluctuate significantly between the larger hub of Salina and smaller towns along the way. If you find yourself needing a break, look for services along the I-135 corridor early in the trip to ensure you aren't searching for amenities once you hit the turnpike. Always check local traffic alerts for the Kansas Turnpike before you depart to ensure your route remains clear.
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 55.8 miles from Salina, KS, or about 1h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.7 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 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 55.8 miles or 1h in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belle Plaine, KS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Salina, 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 Salina, KS
This is one driving day of about 111.5 miles and 2h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Salina, 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 I 135 for about 89.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 55.8 mi from Salina, KS · 1h into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
56 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 55.8 miles from Salina, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 135 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.7 miles.
Arriving in Belle Plaine, KS
The final approach into Belle Plaine, 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 Belle Plaine, 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
$16.94 one way
$33.87 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
39 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $18.67 | $37.34 |
| premium | $4.80 | $21.05 | $42.10 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $24.77 | $49.54 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.43
Kansas Turnpike
(8.6 mi)
$0.43
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
$17
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 39 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 33.4 | 0 | $11.71 | $5.35 |
| Efficient EV | 27.9 | 0 | $9.76 | $4.46 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 44.6 | 0 | $15.61 | $7.14 |
Gas CO2
39 kg
EV CO2
13 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
Belle Plaine, KS
Evening in Belle Plaine on Sunday
Local time
7:11 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
52°F
Newton, KS
56 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
6 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
2h 7m 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 Salina, KS to Belle Plaine, KS covers 111.5 miles and takes about 2h 7m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 135, Kansas Turnpike, North Broadway Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 55.8 miles from Salina, KS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.94 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 17 significant decision points across 111.5 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: near the start (West Iron Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles (West Claflin Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles (I 135; US 81): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Salina, KS to Belle Plaine, KS does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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