Trip from Columbus, KS to Salina, KS

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 49m

Distance

251.6 mi

405 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 36m ★

6 AM

4h 50m

8 AM

5h 17m

10 AM

4h 59m

12 PM

4h 57m

3 PM

5h 1m

5 PM

5h 15m

8 PM

4h 42m

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 and county seat of Cherokee County, Kansas, United States

Columbus, KS

Wikimedia Commons

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

Salina, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trek from Columbus to Salina, prepare for a 250.1-mile journey across the heart of the Great Plains. You should budget approximately 4 hours and 3 minutes of drive time, making this a manageable excursion that fits comfortably into a single day. With an estimated fuel cost of $38, it is an affordable way to traverse the state. Since this route avoids major interstates entirely, you will be sticking to local roads like South Pennsylvania Avenue, West Pine Street, and South Kansas Avenue. It is a straightforward trip that works well for those who prefer an immersive, local experience over the speed of a highway. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, this one-day itinerary provides a clear path through Kansas.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

125.8 miles from Columbus, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 135	80.8 mi	1h 21m
US 400	63.5 mi	1h 13m
Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway	61.6 mi	1h 11m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway	17.9 mi	21m
KS 96	12.3 mi	14m
North East Avenue	11.1 mi	16m
West State Street	1.3 mi	2m
East 7th Avenue	0.7 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 135 — 80.8 mi, about 1h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Columbus, KS and Salina, KS.

Start on this road

88 ft · 11 sec · this road

Turn left onto South Pennsylvania Avenue

179 ft · 9 sec · South Pennsylvania Avenue

Turn right onto West Pine Street

364 ft · 21 sec · West Pine Street

Turn left onto South Kansas Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Kansas Avenue

Turn right onto US 160

0.6 mi · 1 min · US 160

Turn left onto K-7

11 mi · 16 min · North East Avenue

Turn left onto US 400

64 mi · 1 hr 13 min · US 400

Use the straight lane.

Enter roundabout onto US 400

170 ft · 2 sec · Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway

Continue on US 400

62 mi · 1 hr 11 min · Clayton J. Connell Memorial Highway

Continue on US 54; US 77; US 400

7.3 mi · 8 min · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway

Continue on US 54; US 77; US 400

0.7 mi · 1 min · East 7th Avenue

Continue on US 54; US 400

11 mi · 13 min · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Toward I 35, KS 96: Kansas Turnpike

Continue on KS 96

10 mi · 11 min · KS 96

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto KS 96

2.2 mi · 2 min · KS 96

Toward I 135 North, KS 96 West, US 81 North, KS 15 North: Salina, Hutchinson Use the slight right lane.

Continue on I 135; US 81; KS 15

18 mi · 18 min · I 135; US 81; KS 15

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Continue on I 135; US 50; US 81

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 135; US 50; US 81

Continue on I 135; US 81

61 mi · 1 hr · I 135; US 81

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec

Toward KS 140

Turn right onto West State Street

0.4 mi · 39 sec · West State Street

Keep slight right at fork

428 ft · 9 sec

Turn straight onto West State Street

0.9 mi · 1 min · West State Street

Turn right onto North College Avenue

379 ft · 15 sec · North College Avenue

Turn left onto West Iron Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Iron Avenue

Turn right onto South 8th Street

92 ft · 3 sec · South 8th Street

Arrive at destination

South 8th Street

Trip Plan

Because this is a turn-heavy local drive, you should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh your focus. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to ensure you reach Salina well before dark, allowing you to navigate the local turns with better visibility. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $38 estimated cost can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and local station pricing. Since you are not restricted by highway exits, you have the flexibility to pull over whenever you need a break. My top tip for this specific route is to double-check your navigation system before you depart; since you are primarily on local streets rather than highways, having a clear map of your turns will prevent unnecessary detours.

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 125.8 miles from Columbus, KS, or about 2h 31m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.8 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 55 miles or 1h 9m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 125.8 miles or 2h 31m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 1m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Columbus, 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 Columbus, KS

This is one driving day of about 251.6 miles and 4h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Columbus, 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 135 for about 80.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Andover, KS

126 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

Coffeyville, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Andover, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 125.8 miles from Columbus, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 135 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80.8 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

Los Luna's Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Columbus, Kansas

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16204298080

Visit website

Kitchen Pass Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Parsons, Kansas

1.8 mi

Los Luna's Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Columbus, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16204298080

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Columbus, Kansas

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+16204292500

Visit website

Kitchen Pass Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Parsons, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16204211907

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Columbus, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Salina, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Parsons, KS

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13166835499

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 166.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | South Pennsylvania Avenue

Turn left onto South Pennsylvania Avenue

Navigation decision point

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | West Pine Street

Turn right onto West Pine Street

Navigation decision point

12.4 mi into trip | ~20m in | US 400

Turn left onto US 400

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

156.1 mi into trip | ~3h 8m in

Take the exit toward I 35, KS 96: Kansas Turnpike

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

Toward I 35, KS 96: Kansas Turnpike

166.5 mi into trip | ~3h 21m in | KS 96

Keep slight right at fork onto KS 96 toward I 135 North, KS 96 West, US 81 North, KS 15 North: Salina, Hutchinson

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 135 North, KS 96 West, US 81 North, KS...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.33 one way

$78.67 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 88 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$43.19	$86.38
premium	$4.89	$48.42	$96.84
diesel	$5.61	$55.55	$111.10

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$39

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 88 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	75.5	0	$26.42	$12.08
Efficient EV	62.9	0	$22.01	$10.06
EV Truck/SUV	100.6	1	$35.22	$16.10

Gas CO2

88 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 20, 2026

Origin

Columbus, KS

Morning in Columbus on Tuesday

Local time

7:41 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Salina, KS

Morning in Salina on Tuesday

Local time

7:41 AM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

66°F

Andover, KS

126 mi in

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

7 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 49m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is defined by its turn-heavy, local profile rather than a monotonous interstate grind. You will find no highway driving here, as the route relies 0% on high-speed thoroughfares, requiring your full attention on local road navigation. Expect a steady, hands-on driving experience as you transition between South Pennsylvania Avenue, West Pine Street, and South Kansas Avenue. The road keeps you engaged with frequent turns, offering a stark contrast to the straight-line cruising found on larger highways. You will spend your four-hour window navigating the regional topography of the Great Plains at your own pace.

62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 80.8 mi on I 135.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 135 and US 400. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near South Pennsylvania Avenue.

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 251.6 miles you will encounter 15 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: near the start (South Pennsylvania Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (West Pine Street): Navigation decision point; at 12.4 miles (US 400): Lane positioning matters here.

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 Columbus, KS to Salina, KS, road signs begin pointing toward Hutchinson along the way.

Hutchinson

166.5 mi in | ~3h 21m | via KS 96

About the Cities

Arriving in Salina, KS

Full guide →

Salina (sah-LIGH-nah) is the county seat of Saline County in Central Kansas. In 2020, it was home to 47,000 people.

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 4h 49m. Total distance: 251.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (62%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 80.8 miles on I 135. 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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Salina, 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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Explore more options from Columbus, KS or browse trips ending in Salina, KS.

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Trip from Columbus, KS to Salina, KS

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Los Luna's Mexican Restaurant

Los Luna's Mexican Restaurant

Sonic Drive-In

Kitchen Pass Restaurant & Bar

EV Connect Charging Station

Electrify America Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Rivian Adventure Network

EV Connect Charging Station

EVgo Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Great Plains Nature Center

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Columbus, KS

Salina, KS

Same local time

7 degrees cooler at arrival

4h 49m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Arriving in Salina, KS

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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