Origin
Ulysses, KS
Late night in Ulysses on Wednesday
Local time
5:26 AM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ulysses, KS to Lenexa, KS
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
7h 51m
Distance
399.9 mi
644 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$63
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 42m
★
6 AM
7h 51m
8 AM
8h 10m
10 AM
7h 58m
12 PM
7h 56m
3 PM
7h 59m
5 PM
8h 9m
8 PM
7h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ulysses, KS
cottonbro studio
Lenexa, KS
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 399.9-mile journey from Ulysses, KS, to Lenexa, KS, will take approximately 7 hours and 51 minutes of driving time. Primarily using US 50 and I-35, this route is a highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in a single day. With a projected fuel cost of around $63, it's an economical option for a cross-state trip. You'll experience the expansive landscapes of the Great Plains throughout your drive, as both your origin and destination are within Kansas. This straightforward route is ideal if you're looking to get from point A to point B efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
200 miles from Ulysses, KS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 8m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway experience, with 93% of the drive on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 219.2 miles on US 50, offering a good period of consistent travel. While the route is largely highway-focused, you'll transition between US 56 and I-35, providing some variation in the driving environment. This drive is characterized by its straightforward nature, allowing for steady progress across the Kansas landscape without significant deviations or complex road changes.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 50 is the longest continuous segment at about 219.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 50 and I 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 231 miles in near US 50.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 399.9 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 231 miles (US 50): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 233.6 miles (US 50): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 302.7 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
231 mi into trip
|
~4h 44m in
|
US 50
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50 toward I 135 North, US 50 East, US 81 North: Salina, Emporia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 135 North, US 50 East, US 81 North: Sa...
6
233.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 47m 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
302.7 mi into trip
|
~6h 9m 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
399.3 mi into trip
|
~7h 49m 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
399.4 mi into trip
|
~7h 49m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ulysses, KS and Lenexa, KS, road signs point toward Emporia, Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka.
Emporia
231 mi in
|
~4h 44m
|
via US 50
Kansas City
302.7 mi in
|
~6h 9m
Wichita
302.7 mi in
|
~6h 9m
Topeka
302.7 mi in
|
~6h 9m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 50 | 219.2 mi | 4h 15m |
| I 35 | 96.1 mi | 1h 38m |
| US 56 | 39.5 mi | 47m |
| East Oklahoma Avenue | 27 mi | 35m |
| KS 144 | 16.6 mi | 29m |
| South Missouri Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Lenexa Drive | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Rosehill Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 50
— 219.2 mi, about 4h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ulysses, KS and Lenexa, KS.
1
Start on North Court Street
226 ft
·
15 sec
·
North Court Street
2
Turn left onto East Grant Avenue
302 ft
·
15 sec
·
East Grant Avenue
3
Turn right onto South Missouri Street
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
·
South Missouri Street
4
Turn left onto US 160
27 mi
·
35 min
·
East Oklahoma Avenue
5
Continue on KS 144
17 mi
·
29 min
·
KS 144
6
At end of road, turn left onto US 56
33 mi
·
39 min
·
US 56
7
Keep straight at fork
316 ft
·
4 sec
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 56; US 283; US 400
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
US 56; US 283; US 400
9
Turn right onto US 56; US 283
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
US 56; US 283
10
Turn right onto US 50; US 56; US 283
68 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
US 50; US 56; US 283
11
Enter roundabout onto US 50
162 ft
·
2 sec
·
US 50
12
Continue on US 50
79 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
US 50
Use the straight lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50
2.7 mi
·
2 min
·
US 50
Toward I 135 North, US 50 East, US 81 North: Salina, Emporia
Use the slight left lane.
14
Take the exit onto US 50
26 mi
·
31 min
·
US 50
Exit 33
Toward US 50: Peabody, Emporia
15
Enter roundabout onto US 50
213 ft
·
9 sec
·
US 50
Toward US 50 East: Emporia
16
Continue on US 50
43 mi
·
50 min
·
US 50
Toward US 50 East: Emporia
17
Enter roundabout
364 ft
·
4 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
18
Continue
0.2 mi
·
10 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
19
Enter roundabout
30 ft
·
0 sec
Toward I 35 North: Kansas City
20
Continue
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 35 North: Kansas City
21
Merge onto I 35
95 mi
·
1 hr 37 min
·
I 35
Use the straight lane.
22
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.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Exit 224
Toward 95th Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork
296 ft
·
7 sec
Toward 95th Street, Pittsburgh State University, Brown Mackie College
Use the right lane.
25
Turn straight onto West 95th Street
189 ft
·
3 sec
·
West 95th Street
26
Turn slight right onto Lenexa Drive
0.2 mi
·
56 sec
·
Lenexa Drive
Use the right lane.
27
Turn left onto Rosehill Road
500 ft
·
18 sec
·
Rosehill Road
28
Turn right
71 ft
·
10 sec
29
Turn left
256 ft
·
18 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour, 51-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Ulysses, KS, to maximize daylight and arrive in Lenexa, KS, with ample time. With two planned stops and a longest stretch of 219.2 miles on US 50, pace yourself to avoid fatigue. The fuel cost is estimated at $63, so ensure your tank is full before leaving Ulysses. Given the highway-focused profile, keep an eye on your speed and be aware of your surroundings, especially as you merge onto I-35.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 200 miles from Ulysses, KS, or about 4h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 219.2 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 88 miles or 1h 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 200 miles or 4h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 48m
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 Ulysses, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Ulysses, KS
This is one driving day of about 399.9 miles and 7h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 88 miles from Ulysses, KS.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 50 for about 219.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 200 mi from Ulysses, KS · 4h 8m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
200 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 88 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 200 miles from Ulysses, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 50 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 219.2 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.
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
$62.52 one way
$125.04 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
140 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $68.64 | $137.29 |
| premium | $4.89 | $76.96 | $153.91 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $88.29 | $176.59 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$63
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$88–$113
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 139.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 120 | 1 | $41.99 | $19.20 |
| Efficient EV | 100 | 1 | $34.99 | $16.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 160 | 1 | $55.99 | $25.59 |
Gas CO2
140 kg
EV CO2
47 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Late night in Lenexa on Wednesday
Local time
5:26 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 17 mph
45% chance
Live forecast
78°F
Newton, KS
200 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
23 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
7h 51m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Ulysses, KS to Lenexa, KS covers 399.9 miles and takes about 7h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 50, I 35, US 56. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 200 miles from Ulysses, KS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $62.52 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 399.9 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 231 miles (US 50): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 233.6 miles (US 50): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 302.7 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Ulysses, KS and Lenexa, KS, road signs point toward Emporia, Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka.
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