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Trip from Colby, KS to Fort Dodge, 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 15m

Distance

162.5 mi

261 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
3h 4m ★
6 AM
3h 16m
8 AM
3h 39m
10 AM
3h 24m
12 PM
3h 21m
3 PM
3h 25m
5 PM
3h 38m
8 PM
3h 8m

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 Colby, KS, KS

Colby, KS

Wikimedia Commons

city and the county seat of, Webster County, Iowa, United States

Fort Dodge, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 162.5 miles across the heart of the Great Plains, this drive from Colby to Fort Dodge takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. You will navigate a mix of roads, including County Road 440, US 50, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. Given the manageable duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, requiring no overnight stay. With a fuel budget of about $25, it remains an economical way to traverse this portion of Kansas. Whether you are traveling for business or local exploration, the journey offers a straightforward transition between these two Great Plains hubs.

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

81.2 miles from Colby, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
County Road 440 80.2 mi 1h 31m
US 50 47.3 mi 57m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 15.8 mi 15m
US 83 4.8 mi 5m
West Trail Street 4.4 mi 7m
North Range Avenue 2.2 mi 4m
East Fulton Street 1.9 mi 2m
US 400 1.1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: County Road 440 — 80.2 mi, about 1h 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Colby, KS and Fort Dodge, KS.

1

Start on West 3rd Street

0.1 mi · 34 sec · West 3rd Street
2

Turn left onto KS 25

2.2 mi · 4 min · North Range Avenue
3

Turn left

0.2 mi · 30 sec
4

Merge onto I 70

16 mi · 15 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
5

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Toward US 83: Oakley, Oberlin
6

Turn right onto US 83

4.8 mi · 5 min · US 83
7

Turn left onto US 40; US 83

1.0 mi · 1 min · Eagle Eye
8

Turn right onto US 83

80 mi · 1 hr 31 min · County Road 440
9

Turn slight left onto West Buffalo Jones Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Buffalo Jones Avenue
10

Continue on West Walnut Street

467 ft · 13 sec · West Walnut Street
11

Turn right onto US 50 Business; US 83 Business

0.4 mi · 51 sec · North Main Street
12

Turn left onto US 50 Business

1.9 mi · 2 min · East Fulton Street
Use the left lane.
13

Continue on US 50; US 400

45 mi · 54 min · US 50; US 400
Use the straight lane.
14

Continue on US 50; US 400

2.0 mi · 2 min · US 50; US 400
15

Continue on Wyatt Earp Boulevard

0.8 mi · 58 sec · Wyatt Earp Boulevard
Use the left lane.
16

Continue on West Wyatt Earp Boulevard

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Wyatt Earp Boulevard
17

Turn right onto North 14th Avenue

515 ft · 15 sec · North 14th Avenue
18

Turn left onto West Trail Street

4.4 mi · 7 min · West Trail Street
19

Continue on US 400

1.1 mi · 1 min · US 400
20

Turn right

343 ft · 14 sec
21

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Because this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time to avoid peak traffic. Plan for at least one stop to break up the 3-hour and 15-minute drive, as the long stretch on County Road 440 can feel monotonous. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before starting that 80.2-mile section to ensure you have enough to reach your next service point. Since you only need to budget $25 for gas, the trip is quite affordable, but confirming your route on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway ahead of time will help you navigate the transition points smoothly. Taking a quick break mid-trip will help you stay refreshed before you reach your final destination in Fort Dodge.

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 81.2 miles from Colby, KS, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.2 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 36 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 81.2 miles or 1h 33m 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 36m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Colby, 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 Colby, KS

This is one driving day of about 162.5 miles and 3h 15m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Colby, 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 County Road 440 for about 80.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and the county seat of Finney County, Kansas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Garden City, KS

81 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

Oakley, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Garden City, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.2 miles from Colby, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before County Road 440 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80.2 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

Center Pivot Restaurant and Brewery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Colby, Kansas

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 4–10 pm

+17854602772

Visit website

Hanna's Corner

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Garden City, Kansas

0.7 mi

Itokos Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Garden City, Kansas

0.7 mi

Center Pivot Restaurant and Brewery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Colby, Kansas

Hours: 4–10 pm

+17854602772

Visit website

Hanna's Corner

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 104.4

Garden City, Kansas

Hours: 5:30 am–8 pm

+16202768044

Itokos Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 104.4

Garden City, Kansas

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+16202777152

Visit website

The Grill House KS

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 69.6

Scott City, Kansas

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+16209092090

Visit website

Traditions Soda & Sandwich

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 104.4

Garden City, Kansas

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+16202751998

Casa Mariachi

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 104.4

Garden City, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16202878188

Visit website

Saigon's Corner Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 104.4

Garden City, Kansas

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+16208055355

Visit website

Fiesta Mexico Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 104.4

Garden City, Kansas

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+16202602448

Escape The cLock

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 104.4

Garden City, Kansas

Hours: 3–8 pm

+16208055064

Visit website

City Limits Bar & Grill

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately

Colby, Kansas

Hours: 3–9 pm

+17854626565

Visit website

Long Branch Lagoon

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 162.5

Dodge City, Kansas

Hours: Closed

+16202258156

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 105.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | KS 25 / North Range Avenue

Turn left onto KS 25 / North Range Avenue

Navigation decision point

4
2.3 mi into trip | ~4m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

5
18.4 mi into trip | ~21m in

Take the exit toward US 83: Oakley, Oberlin

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 83: Oakley, Oberlin
4
23.4 mi into trip | ~27m in | US 40; US 83 / Eagle Eye

Turn left onto US 40; US 83 / Eagle Eye

Navigation decision point

6
105.7 mi into trip | ~2h 2m in | US 50 Business / East Fulton Street

Turn left onto US 50 Business / East Fulton Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.41 one way

$50.81 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.89 $55.79
premium $4.89 $31.27 $62.54
diesel $5.61 $35.88 $71.76

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 56.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 48.8 0 $17.06 $7.80
Efficient EV 40.6 0 $14.22 $6.50
EV Truck/SUV 65 0 $22.75 $10.40

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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 12, 2026

Origin

Colby, KS

Night in Colby on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

48°F

Mostly Cloudy

SW 10 to 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 12:10AM MDT until April 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Goodland KS

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 12:10AM MDT until April 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Goodland KS

Destination

Fort Dodge, KS

Night in Fort Dodge on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 18 mph 14% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 12:10AM MDT until April 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Goodland KS

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 12:10AM MDT until April 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Goodland KS

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

9 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 15m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed driving experience that balances rural local roads with more established highway travel. Only 33% of this route consists of highway driving, meaning you will spend a significant portion of your time on secondary roads. You should prepare for a long, steady stretch of 80.2 miles on County Road 440, which serves as the longest uninterrupted segment of your trip. As you transition between these road types, the pace of the drive shifts, requiring you to remain attentive to changing road conditions. It is a practical, utilitarian drive that favors directness over high-speed interstate travel.

33% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80.2 mi on County Road 440.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near KS 25 / North Range Avenue.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 15m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (KS 25 / North Range Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 2.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 18.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Colby, KS to Fort Dodge, KS, road signs begin pointing toward Oberlin along the way.

Oberlin

18.4 mi in | ~21m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 15m. Total distance: 162.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (33%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 80.2 miles on County Road 440. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (KS 25 / North Range Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 2.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 18.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Fort Dodge, 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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Fort Dodge, KS to Colby, KS

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