Road Trips from Kansas City, KS
Kansas City, KS, offers a straightforward escape, whether you're looking for a short drive or a longer haul. Most options involve mostly highway driving through flat or gently rolling terrain, perfect for a quick day trip. You've got several destinations within a 3-4 hour radius, all featuring access to parks, and a few longer routes that push into the 7-8 hour range if you want to cover more ground. It's a good starting point for a variety of local adventures.
Total Routes
24
Shortest
3.1h
With Parks Nearby
24
Full-day getaway
10 total in this range
Lincoln, KS
3h 43m202.1 mi one way
Andover, KS
3h 12m184.6 mi one way
This is one of your closest options at 3.2 hours and 184.6 miles, using mostly highway. It's a good pick if you want a straightforward drive with a park nearby, similar to Newton or Peabody, but a bit shorter than Cheney or Maize. The terrain is mostly flat.
Newton, KS
3h 26m185 mi one way
At 185 miles and 3.4 hours, this route is very similar in distance and drive time to Andover and Peabody. It utilizes mostly highway with a drive score of 8, and offers park access. The terrain is mostly flat, making for an easy drive.
Peabody, KS
3h 3m167.7 mi one way
This 167.7-mile trip takes about 3.1 hours, making it one of the shortest options. It's primarily a highway drive with a solid drive score of 8, and includes park access. The mostly flat terrain ensures a relaxed journey.
Cheney, KS
3h 57m223.1 mi one way
If you prefer slightly more varied terrain, Cheney is a good choice. This 223.1-mile drive takes 4 hours and features gently rolling terrain, unlike the flatter options closer to Kansas City. It also offers park access and a good drive score.
Weekend trip
14 total in this range
Dodge City, KS
6h 11m333.9 mi one way
Fort Dodge, KS
6h 11m332.5 mi one way
La Crosse, KS
4h 59m275.8 mi one way
Osborne, KS
4h 49m256.9 mi one way
Holcomb, KS
7h 11m382.3 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Dodge City, KS
6h 11m333.9 mi one way
Fort Dodge, KS
6h 11m332.5 mi one way
Lincoln, KS
3h 43m202.1 mi one way
La Crosse, KS
4h 59m275.8 mi one way
Dodge City, KS
6h 11m333.9 mi one way
Newton, KS
3h 26m185 mi one way
Peabody, KS
3h 3m167.7 mi one way
Colby, KS
6h 20m371.4 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers mild weather for exploring the parks near your destinations. The mostly flat and gently rolling terrain is ideal for drives without extreme conditions.
Summer
Summer is suitable for these drives, especially the shorter ones. Keep in mind the terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, which can be exposed to sun.
Fall
Fall provides pleasant temperatures for these drives. The park access remains a consistent feature across all routes, regardless of the season.
Winter
Winter drives are feasible, particularly the shorter highway routes. The mostly flat terrain is generally easier to navigate in colder weather compared to mountainous areas.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Kansas City, KS city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.