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Trip from Belle Plaine, KS to Lenexa, KS

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 31m

Distance

200.5 mi

323 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 19m ★
6 AM
3h 32m
8 AM
3h 56m
10 AM
3h 40m
12 PM
3h 38m
3 PM
3h 42m
5 PM
3h 55m
8 PM
3h 24m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Belle Plaine, KS, KS

Belle Plaine, KS

Budget Bizar

city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States

Lenexa, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 200.5-mile journey from Belle Plaine, Kansas, to Lenexa, Kansas, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-35 and the Kansas Turnpike, this route is almost entirely highway, making it a focused and efficient trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $31, it's an economical option for a day trip. You'll be traveling within the Great Plains region for the entire duration, so expect consistent prairie landscapes. This drive is ideal for those looking for a no-fuss transition between these two Kansas locales.

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

100.2 miles from Belle Plaine, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 97 mi 1h 40m
Kansas Turnpike 93.6 mi 1h 33m
North Broadway Road 5.5 mi 8m
East 90th Avenue North 2.5 mi 4m
Lenexa Drive 0.2 mi <1m
West 4th Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
Kansas Star Drive 0.2 mi <1m
North Merchant Street 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 97 mi, about 1h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Belle Plaine, KS and Lenexa, KS.

1

Start on North Merchant Street

0.1 mi · 26 sec · North Merchant Street
2

Turn right onto West 4th Avenue

0.2 mi · 22 sec · West 4th Avenue
3

Continue on East 90th Avenue North

2.5 mi · 4 min · East 90th Avenue North
4

Turn right onto North Broadway Road

5.5 mi · 8 min · North Broadway Road
5

Turn right onto 144th Avenue

285 ft · 14 sec · 144th Avenue
6

Turn left onto Kansas Star Drive

0.1 mi · 18 sec · Kansas Star Drive
7

Continue on Kansas Star Drive

391 ft · 11 sec · Kansas Star Drive
8

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
9

Enter roundabout

293 ft · 6 sec
10

Continue

0.2 mi · 31 sec
11

Turn left

151 ft · 4 sec
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward I 35
13

Merge onto I 35

94 mi · 1 hr 33 min · Kansas Turnpike
14

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

95 mi · 1 hr 38 min · I 35
Use the straight lane.
15

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.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 19 sec
Exit 224 Toward 95th Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight right at fork

296 ft · 7 sec
Toward 95th Street, Pittsburgh State University, Brown Mackie College Use the right lane.
18

Turn straight onto West 95th Street

189 ft · 3 sec · West 95th Street
19

Turn slight right onto Lenexa Drive

0.2 mi · 56 sec · Lenexa Drive
Use the right lane.
20

Turn left onto Rosehill Road

500 ft · 18 sec · Rosehill Road
21

Turn right

71 ft · 10 sec
22

Turn left

256 ft · 18 sec
23

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 31-minute duration, this drive is perfectly suited for a single-day trip. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your time at your destination or to allow for a relaxed pace. You'll encounter one planned stop on this route, which is a good opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel. The longest stretch without a major exit is 97 miles on I-35, so plan your breaks accordingly before embarking on that segment. With a fuel cost estimate of $31, it's wise to keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading into that longer stretch.

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 100.2 miles from Belle Plaine, KS, or about 1h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97 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 44 miles or 50m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 100.2 miles or 1h 46m 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 Lenexa, KS than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Belle Plaine, 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 Belle Plaine, KS

This is one driving day of about 200.5 miles and 3h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Belle Plaine, 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 97 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city and county seat in Morris County, Kansas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Council Grove, KS

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.

Popular next leg

Council Grove, KS to Lenexa, KS

115.7 mi · 2h 12m

Pacing Suggestions

Andover, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Council Grove, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 100.2 miles from Belle Plaine, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 97 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Overland Park, Kansas

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.5

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19135993111

Visit website

Holy Land Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lenexa, Kansas

1.2 mi

Fronteras Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lenexa, Kansas

2.4 mi

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.5

Overland Park, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19135993111

Visit website

Holy Land Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.5

Lenexa, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+19133109911

Visit website

Fronteras Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.5

Lenexa, Kansas

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+19139621369

Visit website

New Cafe 40

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.5

Overland Park, Kansas

Hours: 7 am–2:30 pm

+19132328520

Visit website

Café Vie

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.5

Overland Park, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+19139010565

Visit website

Jose Pepper's

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.5

Shawnee, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19136311011

Visit website

Pegah's Family Restaurant - Johnson Drive

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.5

Shawnee, Kansas

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+19139626700

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 71.6

Matfield Green, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18004891588

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 43

El Dorado, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 28.6

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 28.6

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 28.6

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Belle Plaine, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18004891588

Visit website

Game Show Battle Rooms - Kansas City (Overland Park)

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 200.5

Overland Park, Kansas

Hours: 9 am–9:30 pm

+19133501819

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 200 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | West 4th Avenue

Turn right onto West 4th Avenue

Navigation decision point

6
9.1 mi into trip | ~15m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 35
6
102.8 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in | I 35

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
199.8 mi into trip | ~3h 29m 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
200 mi into trip | ~3h 29m 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...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.35 one way

$62.69 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 70 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $34.42 $68.83
premium $4.89 $38.58 $77.17
diesel $5.61 $44.27 $88.54

Estimated Tolls: $4.68

Kansas Turnpike (93.6 mi) $4.68

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Tolls

$5

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 70.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 60.2 0 $21.05 $9.62
Efficient EV 50.1 0 $17.54 $8.02
EV Truck/SUV 80.2 1 $28.07 $12.83

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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Belle Plaine, KS

Late night in Belle Plaine on Sunday

Local time

3:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lenexa, KS

Late night in Lenexa on Sunday

Local time

3:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

17 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 31m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for 95% of this 200.5-mile route. The primary arteries are I-35 and the Kansas Turnpike, which means consistent speed limits and minimal distractions for long stretches. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is about 97 miles on I-35, allowing for a steady pace. While the drive is predominantly highway, North Broadway Road offers a brief change of pace as you approach your destination. This route is designed for covering ground efficiently, with the character of a functional interstate corridor.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and Kansas Turnpike. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near West 4th Avenue.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 200.5 miles you will encounter 18 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 0.1 miles (West 4th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 9.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 102.8 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Lenexa, KS

Full guide →

Lenexa is a city in Eastern Kansas.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 31m. Total distance: 200.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 97 miles on I 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $4.68 in tolls one way, starting with Kansas Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Lenexa, KS before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (West 4th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 9.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 102.8 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Lenexa, KS, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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