Trip from Salina, KS to Conway Springs, KS

Drive Time

2h 19m

Distance

117.4 mi

189 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min

4 AM

2h 10m ★

6 AM

2h 20m

8 AM

2h 39m

10 AM

2h 27m

12 PM

2h 25m

3 PM

2h 28m

5 PM

2h 38m

8 PM

2h 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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Salina, KS

Alan Wang

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Salina to Conway Springs, expect a straightforward 117.4-mile journey across the Kansas Great Plains. The drive typically takes about 2 hours and 19 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion. You will primarily utilize I-135, State Highway 42, and West Southwest Boulevard to navigate between these two points. With fuel costs estimated at approximately $18, this is an affordable trip that requires no overnight stops. Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, the route offers a reliable connection 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

58.7 miles from Salina, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 3m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip is heavily focused on highway travel, with 74% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will begin with a significant 77.8-mile stretch on I-135, which provides a fast, consistent pace for the bulk of your drive. As you transition onto State Highway 42 and local roads like West Southwest Boulevard, the character of the road shifts from high-speed interstate to a more localized driving experience. Expect a consistent, efficient transition that allows you to cover the distance without complex navigation. It is a functional, highway-focused drive that prioritizes speed and directness over winding, technical maneuvers.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 23 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 77.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 135 and State Highway 42. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Iron Avenue.

Route Complexity 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

This is a straightforward 2h 19m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow 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 11 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | West Iron Avenue

Turn right onto West Iron Avenue

Navigation decision point

1.9 mi into trip | ~4m in | West Claflin Avenue

At end of road, turn right onto West Claflin Avenue

Navigation decision point

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.

81.6 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Take the exit toward I 235 West, KS 96 West

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 11A Toward I 235 West, KS 96 West

92.8 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in

Take the exit toward KS 42

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 5 Toward KS 42

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 135	77.8 mi	1h 18m
State Highway 42	8.7 mi	15m
West Southwest Boulevard	7.7 mi	9m
North Conway Springs Road	5.5 mi	9m
South Santa Fe Avenue	1.8 mi	3m
West Cessna Boulevard	1.1 mi	1m
South 9th Street	1.1 mi	2m
Grice Street	0.7 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 135 — 77.8 mi, about 1h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Salina, KS and Conway Springs, KS.

Start on South 8th Street

92 ft · 5 sec · South 8th Street

Turn right onto West Iron Avenue

0.1 mi · 34 sec · West Iron Avenue

Turn right onto South Santa Fe Avenue

1.8 mi · 3 min · South Santa Fe Avenue

At end of road, turn right onto West Claflin Avenue

0.2 mi · 24 sec · West Claflin Avenue

Turn left onto South 9th Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · South 9th Street

Turn right

140 ft · 5 sec

Turn right onto West Magnolia Road

0.3 mi · 49 sec · West Magnolia Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Merge onto I 135; US 81

57 mi · 57 min · I 135; US 81

Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 135; US 50; US 81

2.2 mi · 2 min · I 135; US 50; US 81

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 135; US 81

18 mi · 19 min · I 135; US 81

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

11 mi · 13 min

Exit 11A Toward I 235 West, KS 96 West Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Exit 5 Toward KS 42

Turn right onto KS 42

0.5 mi · 55 sec · West Southwest Boulevard

Continue on KS 42

1.1 mi · 1 min · West Cessna Boulevard

Continue on KS 42

7.2 mi · 9 min · West Southwest Boulevard

Continue on KS 42

8.7 mi · 15 min · State Highway 42

Turn left onto KS 49

0.7 mi · 1 min · Grice Street

Continue on KS 49

0.3 mi · 28 sec · South 263rd Street West

Continue on KS 49

5.5 mi · 9 min · North Conway Springs Road

Continue on KS-49

0.4 mi · 39 sec · North 5th Street

Turn right onto Spring Avenue

322 ft · 14 sec · Spring Avenue

Arrive at destination

Spring Avenue

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time. You can easily make the entire 117.4-mile trip in one go without needing planned stops, though it is always smart to check your fuel levels before leaving Salina to ensure you stay within your $18 budget. Keep in mind that because the vast majority of the route is highway-based, traffic patterns on I-135 will be the primary factor affecting your travel time. Aim to avoid peak commuting hours if you prefer a quieter road experience. Prioritize a steady pace during the long 77.8-mile stretch on the interstate to keep your arrival time predictable.

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 58.7 miles from Salina, KS, or about 1h 3m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.8 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 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58.7 miles or 1h 3m 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 45m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Conway Springs, 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 117.4 miles and 2h 19m.

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 77.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 58.7 mi from Salina, KS · 1h 3m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Newton, KS

59 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

Wichita, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Newton, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.7 miles from Salina, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 135 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.8 miles.

Arriving in Conway Springs, KS

The final approach into Conway 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 Conway Springs, 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

$17.83 one way

$35.66 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$19.66	$39.32
premium	$4.80	$22.16	$44.33
diesel	$5.64	$26.08	$52.16

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 41.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	35.2	$12.33	$5.64
Efficient EV	29.4	$10.27	$4.70
EV Truck/SUV	47	$16.44	$7.51

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Salina, KS

Evening in Salina on Sunday

Local time

7:11 PM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Conway Springs, KS

Evening in Conway Springs on Sunday

Local time

7:11 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

52°F

Newton, KS

59 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 19m 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 Conway Springs, KS covers 117.4 miles and takes about 2h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 135, State Highway 42, West Southwest Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 58.7 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 $17.83 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 straightforward 2h 19m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

The route from Salina, KS to Conway Springs, KS does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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