Fall Road Trips in Kansas
Routes
30
Avg Distance
351 mi
Avg Drive
6h 36m
Destinations
27
Kansas in the fall offers a unique driving experience, with routes averaging 350 miles and nearly 7 hours. The state's gently rolling terrain provides views that change with the season, reaching elevations up to 3,647 feet. You'll find drives with high drive scores, like 9, and some with excellent EV coverage and 38 fast chargers.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.22/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$45–$79
One-way, ~351 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~123 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
Climate through the year: Kansas
Kansas peaks at around 93°F in Jul and cools to 44°F / 23°F in Jan. Wettest month is May at ~5.2 in of rain. Table highlights Fall months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44 | 23 | 0.9 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 49 | 26 | 1.2 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 59 | 36 | 2.3 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 68 | 45 | 3.1 | 0.2 |
| May | 78 | 56 | 5.2 | — |
| Jun | 88 | 66 | 4.9 | — |
| Jul | 93 | 70 | 4 | — |
| Aug | 91 | 69 | 4.3 | — |
| Sep peak | 83 | 60 | 3.1 | — |
| Oct peak | 71 | 47 | 2.9 | 0.2 |
| Nov peak | 57 | 35 | 1.4 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 46 | 25 | 1.2 | 3.1 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for KS — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Check the weather forecast for your route, not just your origin and destination.
- Bring layers for shoulder-season travel — mornings and evenings can be much cooler than midday.
- Kansas routes can vary in condition depending on the time of year. Check for construction zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall Routes
Editor's pick
Pittsburg, KS → Colby, KS
Through: Hutchinson
This 452-mile route boasts a high drive score of 9, featuring gently rolling terrain and a maximum elevation of 3,158 feet. It's a solid choice for experiencing the state's fall landscapes.
Editor's pick
Leavenworth, KS → Saint Francis, KS
Through: Salina → Sharon Springs
With excellent EV coverage and 38 fast chargers, this 441-mile drive stands out. It travels through gently rolling terrain with parks available and reaches an elevation of 3,647 feet.
Editor's pick
Saint Francis, KS → Kansas City, KS
This 441-mile option offers a drive score of 9 and passes through terrain with a maximum elevation of 3,647 feet. It includes access to parks, making it a notable fall excursion.
Kansas City, KS → Hugoton, KS
Through: Salina → Ellsworth → Great Bend
Shawnee, KS → Ulysses, KS
Through: Salina → Ellsworth → Great Bend
Elkhart, KS → Soldier, KS
Through: Salina
Leawood, KS → Atwood, KS
Through: Salina → Leoti
Pittsburg, KS → Park, KS
Through: Hutchinson
Leavenworth, KS → Holcomb, KS
Through: Salina → Ellsworth → Great Bend
Kansas City, KS → Plains, KS
Through: Wichita
Pittsburg, KS → Garden City, KS
Through: Hutchinson
Leawood, KS → Colby, KS
Through: Salina
Kansas City, KS → Meade, KS
Through: Wichita
Roeland Park, KS → Dodge City, KS
Through: Salina → Ellsworth → Great Bend
Dodge City, KS → Mission, KS
Through: Salina → Kansas City
Leavenworth, KS → Dodge City, KS
Through: Salina → Ellsworth → Great Bend
Dodge City, KS → Mission Hills, KS
Through: Emporia → Kansas City → Wichita +1 more
Overland Park, KS → Norton, KS
Through: Salina → Manhattan → Council Grove
Dodge City, KS → Edwardsville, KS
Through: Salina → Kansas City
Leawood, KS → Ness City, KS
Through: Salina → Ellsworth → Great Bend
Fort Scott, KS → Hays, KS
Dodge City, KS → Tonganoxie, KS
Through: Salina → Kansas City
Dodge City, KS → Eudora, KS
Through: Salina → Kansas City → Lawrence
Fort Dodge, KS → Eudora, KS
Through: Salina → Kansas City → Lawrence
Dodge City, KS → Coffeyville, KS
Elkhart, KS → Derby, KS
Leavenworth, KS → Medicine Lodge, KS
Through: Wichita
Dodge City, KS → Parsons, KS
Dodge City, KS → Tecumseh, KS
Through: Salina
Fort Dodge, KS → Menoken, KS
Through: Salina