Skip to main content

Hays, KS Road Trips

With 8 routes heading out and 8 heading in, Hays, KS works well as a modest departure point in the Great Plains. The route mix is balanced, with options ranging from 97-mile quick runs to 266-mile cross-state drives. Most routes from Hays, KS head east, giving the route network a clear directional lean.

city in Kansas, United States

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Trip Routes

15

Longest Drive

318.4 mi

Fort Scott, KS

Quickest Drive

1h 42m

Salina, KS

Plan Around Hays, KS

Trips from Hays, KS

Driving from Hays, KS

Expect an average of 180 miles and about 3h 18m behind the wheel when leaving Hays, KS. There is a healthy spread of short hops, medium drives, and longer road trips to pick from. The longest mapped route runs 266 miles (4h 40m), while the shortest is just 97 miles.

Popular Destinations

Drivers leaving Hays, KS most often head toward Leavenworth, KS (265.9 mi, 4h 40m), Kansas City, KS (265.4 mi, 4h 35m), Atchison, KS (255.1 mi, 4h 30m), Wichita, KS (182.7 mi, 3h 9m), and Attica, KS (161.2 mi, 3h 38m). Most destinations stay within the same state, perfect for exploring the local region thoroughly.

Planning & Costs

Regular gas in KS currently averages around $3.77 per gallon. For the typical 180-mile trip from Hays, KS, budget about $27 in fuel one way, assuming 25 MPG. Longer hauls and premium fuel will cost proportionally more.

Most trips take a half-day, so a morning start gets you there in time for lunch or an afternoon of exploring. Routes tend to go east, so afternoon departures put the sun at your back on the return leg.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 8 mapped routes leaving Hays, KS and 8 routes heading into Hays, KS, covering 16 total connections. Distances range from 97 to 266 miles.

The longest mapped route from Hays, KS covers 266 miles and takes approximately 4h 40m. Shorter options start at just 97 miles.

The average route from Hays, KS runs about 180 miles with a drive time of roughly 3h 18m. This includes both short day trips and longer multi-day drives.

At current gas prices (about $3.77/gallon for regular), the average 180-mile trip from Hays, KS costs roughly $27 in fuel one way, based on 25 MPG. Your actual cost depends on your vehicle's efficiency.

The most popular road trip destinations from Hays, KS include Leavenworth, KS, Kansas City, KS, Atchison, KS and Wichita, KS. Each route page has detailed drive times, fuel estimates, stop suggestions, and turn-by-turn directions.

Hays, KS by the Numbers

Recent demographic snapshot from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey.

Population

21,078

Median Income

$56,861

Median Home Value

$220,100

Median Age

30.2

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-year (public domain). See our methodology for details.

How Much Time Do You Have?

Pick your one-way drive time and see where you can go from Hays, KS.

No routes in this time range.

destinations from Hays, KS.

Trips to Hays, KS

Nearby Hubs

Other cities within driving distance of Hays, KS that also have route pages.

Escape Planner

Where to go from Hays, KS?

Curated day trips, weekend getaways, and overnight routes — grouped by how much time you have and the kind of trip you want.

Drives from Hays, KS in your inbox

Monthly note with new routes, weekend drive ideas, and seasonal picks for KS. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Browse more KS road trips or choose a route from Hays, KS above.