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Trip from Chanute, KS to Pittsburg, KS

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

Drive Time

1h 38m

Distance

79.3 mi

128 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 31m ★
6 AM
1h 38m
8 AM
1h 53m
10 AM
1h 43m
12 PM
1h 42m
3 PM
1h 44m
5 PM
1h 52m
8 PM
1h 34m

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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city in Neosho County, Kansas, United States of America

Chanute, KS

Wikimedia Commons

city in Crawford County, in southeastern Kansas, United States

Pittsburg, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Connecting Chanute to Pittsburg, this 79.3-mile journey across the Great Plains is a straightforward trip that takes approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete. Because of the manageable distance, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $12 on fuel, making it a very budget-friendly option for your travel plans. Navigating through the heart of Kansas, the drive relies on a combination of US 400, US 169, and US 69 to get you to your destination efficiently. It is a practical, no-nonsense path that serves as a reliable link between these two regional hubs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

39.7 miles from Chanute, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 400 46.2 mi 54m
US 169 24.2 mi 28m
US 69 5.4 mi 7m
West 4th Street 1 mi 1m
West Main Street 0.8 mi 1m
West Cherry Street 0.5 mi <1m
North Plummer Avenue 0.5 mi <1m
South Steuben Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 400 — 46.2 mi, about 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chanute, KS and Pittsburg, KS.

1

Start on South Steuben Avenue

0.2 mi · 45 sec · South Steuben Avenue
2

At end of road, turn left onto West Main Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Main Street
3

Turn right onto North Plummer Avenue

0.5 mi · 55 sec · North Plummer Avenue
4

Turn left onto KS 39

0.5 mi · 59 sec · West Cherry Street
Use the straight lane.
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward US 169 South
6

Merge onto US 169

24 mi · 28 min · US 169
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec
Toward US 400 East Use the left lane.
8

Merge onto US 400

46 mi · 54 min · US 400
9

Turn left onto US 69; US 160

5.4 mi · 7 min · US 69; US 160
10

Turn right onto KS 126

1.0 mi · 1 min · West 4th Street
11

Turn right onto US 69 Business

66 ft · 2 sec · North Broadway Street
12

Arrive at destination

US 69 Business

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of this trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though leaving in the morning will give you the most daylight once you arrive in Pittsburg. Since there are zero planned stops along the 79.3-mile path, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you leave Chanute to keep that $12 cost estimate accurate. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition between the three main highways, as the route requires a few specific road changes to stay on track. Because this is a relatively quick drive, you don't need to worry about heavy pacing or fatigue management. If you want to make the most of your travel, use the time saved by the high highway percentage to explore your destination immediately upon arrival.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 39.7 miles from Chanute, KS, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.2 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 17 miles or 22m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 39.7 miles or 49m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 21m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pittsburg, KS than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Chanute, KS so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Chanute, KS

This is one driving day of about 79.3 miles and 1h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Chanute, KS.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 400 for about 46.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Labette County, Kansas, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Parsons, KS

40 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

Cherryvale, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Parsons, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 39.7 miles from Chanute, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

The Grain Bin Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chanute, Kansas

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+16204317373

Little China Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Chanute, Kansas

0.2 mi

El Rincon Azteca Mexican Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chanute, Kansas

1 mi

The Grain Bin Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Chanute, Kansas

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+16204317373

Little China Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Chanute, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16204316565

Visit website

El Rincon Azteca Mexican Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Chanute, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16209025092

El Pueblito Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Chanute, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16204316006

Kitchen Pass Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 39.7

Parsons, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16204211907

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 73.7

Pittsburg, Kansas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16202313100

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 79.3

Pittsburg, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

SWTCH Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route mile 79.3

Pittsburg, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18447982438

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 39.7

Parsons, KS

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 79.3

Frontenac, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 26.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | West Main Street

At end of road, turn left onto West Main Street

Navigation decision point

5
1.4 mi into trip | ~3m in | KS 39 / West Cherry Street

Turn left onto KS 39 / West Cherry Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
1.9 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward US 169 South

Navigation decision point

Toward US 169 South
5
2.1 mi into trip | ~4m in | US 169

Merge onto US 169

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
26.4 mi into trip | ~33m in

Take the exit toward US 400 East

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward US 400 East

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.40 one way

$24.80 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $13.61 $27.22
premium $4.89 $15.26 $30.52
diesel $5.61 $17.51 $35.02

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 27.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 23.8 0 $8.33 $3.81
Efficient EV 19.8 0 $6.94 $3.17
EV Truck/SUV 31.7 0 $11.10 $5.08

Gas CO2

28 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (68% 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

Chanute, KS

Night in Chanute on Saturday

Local time

11:35 PM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Pittsburg, KS

Night in Pittsburg on Saturday

Local time

11:35 PM

CDT

Current temp

56°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

1 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

1h 38m 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, as 96% of this drive is spent on major thoroughfares. You will spend a significant portion of your time on US 400, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the trip at 46.2 miles. The road maintains a consistent pace, allowing you to settle into a rhythm as you traverse the Kansas landscape. While the route prioritizes speed and efficiency, the transition between US 169 and US 69 keeps the drive dynamic enough to stay alert. Behind the wheel, you will find the journey to be steady and predictable, ideal for those who prefer straightforward highway travel over winding backroads.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.2 mi on US 400.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 400 and US 169. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near West Main Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 79.3 miles you will encounter 9 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 0.2 miles (West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (KS 39 / West Cherry Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.9 miles: Navigation decision point.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 38m. Total distance: 79.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 46.2 miles on US 400. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (KS 39 / West Cherry Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.9 miles: Navigation decision point.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Pittsburg, KS before heading back.

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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