Origin
Shawnee, KS
Evening in Shawnee on Sunday
Local time
8:23 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Shawnee, KS to Colwich, KS
Drive Time
3h 35m
Distance
199.2 mi
321 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 23m
★
6 AM
3h 35m
8 AM
4h 0m
10 AM
3h 44m
12 PM
3h 41m
3 PM
3h 45m
5 PM
3h 59m
8 PM
3h 28m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Shawnee, KS
Tien Nguyen
Trip Overview
Spanning 199.2 miles across the Great Plains, this drive from Shawnee to Colwich is a straightforward journey typically taking 3 hours and 35 minutes. Because the trip is well within a single day’s reach, you can easily complete it in one go without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $30 for fuel to cover the distance. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares like I-35 and KS-96, keeping navigation simple and predictable. Whether you are heading out for business or a visit, this is a highly efficient path through Kansas that prioritizes speed and directness over winding scenic detours.
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 Shawnee, KS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 47m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 83% of your journey takes place on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted segment spans 158.3 miles along I-35, providing a consistent pace that requires steady focus behind the wheel. As you transition from the interstate onto KS-96 and Southwest 20th Street, the rhythm of the drive shifts from heavy traffic corridors to more localized highway travel. While the landscape remains consistent across the Great Plains, the change in road types keeps the drive from feeling entirely uniform. You will spend the vast majority of your time maintaining highway speeds, making this an ideal route for drivers who prefer efficient, high-speed travel.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 158.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and Southwest 20th Street. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near West 49th Terrace.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 199.2 miles you will encounter 11 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 0.2 miles (West 49th Terrace): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (Nieman Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West 49th Terrace
Turn left onto West 49th Terrace
Navigation decision point
7
0.5 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Nieman Road
At end of road, turn right onto Nieman Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
7
2.8 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Take the ramp toward I 35 South: Wichita
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 35 South: Wichita
7
188.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 20m in
|
KS 96
Take the exit onto KS 96 toward KS 96 West: Hutchinson
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 13
Toward KS 96 West: Hutchinson
8
188.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 20m in
|
KS 96
Keep slight left at fork onto KS 96 toward KS 96, Hutchinson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward KS 96, Hutchinson
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Shawnee, KS to Colwich, KS, road signs begin pointing toward Hutchinson along the way.
Hutchinson
188.9 mi in
|
~3h 20m
|
via KS 96
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 35 | 158.3 mi | 2h 42m |
| Southwest 20th Street | 25.2 mi | 27m |
| KS 96 | 6.2 mi | 6m |
| West 53rd Street North | 3.7 mi | 6m |
| I 235 | 1.6 mi | 1m |
| Johnson Drive | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Nieman Road | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| East Chicago Avenue | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 158.3 mi, about 2h 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Shawnee, KS and Colwich, KS.
1
Start on Bond Street
0.2 mi
·
46 sec
·
Bond Street
2
Turn left onto West 49th Terrace
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
West 49th Terrace
3
At end of road, turn right onto Nieman Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Nieman Road
Use the none lane.
4
Turn left onto Johnson Drive
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Johnson Drive
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward I 35 South: Wichita
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto I 35
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
I 35
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on I 35; US 56; US 169
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
I 35; US 56; US 169
Toward I 35 South, US 56 West, US 169 South: Wichita
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on I 35; US 50; US 56; US 169
37 mi
·
39 min
·
I 35; US 50; US 56; US 169
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on I 35; US 50; US 59
114 mi
·
1 hr 54 min
·
I 35; US 50; US 59
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward KS 254, KS 196: El Dorado
11
At end of road, turn right onto Boyer Road
137 ft
·
2 sec
·
Boyer Road
12
Turn right onto KS 254
25 mi
·
27 min
·
Southwest 20th Street
13
Continue on I 235; KS 96
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 235; KS 96
14
Take the exit onto KS 96
0.3 mi
·
20 sec
·
KS 96
Exit 13
Toward KS 96 West: Hutchinson
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto KS 96
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
KS 96
Toward KS 96, Hutchinson
Use the none lane.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Toward 53rd Street, Maize Road
17
Turn left onto West 53rd Street North
3.7 mi
·
6 min
·
West 53rd Street North
18
Continue on East Chicago Avenue
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
·
East Chicago Avenue
19
Arrive at destination
West Chicago Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 35-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time around traffic patterns near Shawnee. Aim to incorporate at least one stop during your trip to break up the 199.2-mile trek and keep your energy levels consistent. Since the route is dominated by long stretches on I-35, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before hitting the highway to avoid unnecessary detours. Because you only have one planned stop, use that time to stretch your legs rather than just refueling. Planning your rest break toward the middle of the I-35 segment will help you manage the longest stretch of the drive effectively.
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 Shawnee, KS, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 158.3 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 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99.6 miles or 1h 47m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Colwich, KS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Shawnee, 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 Shawnee, KS
This is one driving day of about 199.2 miles and 3h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Shawnee, 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 158.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 99.6 mi from Shawnee, KS · 1h 47m 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 Shawnee, 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 158.3 miles.
Arriving in Colwich, KS
The final approach into Colwich, 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 Colwich, 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
$30.26 one way
$60.51 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
70 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $33.35 | $66.71 |
| premium | $4.80 | $37.60 | $75.21 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $44.26 | $88.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
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 | 59.8 | 0 | $20.92 | $9.56 |
| Efficient EV | 49.8 | 0 | $17.43 | $7.97 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 79.7 | 0 | $27.89 | $12.75 |
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
Colwich, KS
Evening in Colwich on Sunday
Local time
8:23 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
52°F
Newton, 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
3 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 35m 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 Shawnee, KS to Colwich, KS covers 199.2 miles and takes about 3h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 35, Southwest 20th Street, KS 96. 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 Shawnee, KS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.26 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 199.2 miles you will encounter 11 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 0.2 miles (West 49th Terrace): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (Nieman Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Shawnee, KS to Colwich, KS, road signs begin pointing toward Hutchinson along the way.
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