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Trip from Ellinwood, KS to Overland Park, KS

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

Drive Time

4h 20m

Distance

231.8 mi

373 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
4h 8m ★
6 AM
4h 21m
8 AM
4h 47m
10 AM
4h 30m
12 PM
4h 28m
3 PM
4h 32m
5 PM
4h 46m
8 PM
4h 13m

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 Ellinwood, KS, KS

Ellinwood, KS

Tien Nguyen

Downtown Overland Park, KS, KS

Overland Park, KS

Sam McCool

Trip Overview

This 231.8-mile drive from Ellinwood, KS to Overland Park, KS is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-35, Limestone Road, and East Santa Fe Avenue, with about 60% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is $35, making it an economical option. This route traverses the Great Plains region throughout, offering a consistent landscape. Given its duration, it's well-suited for a single day's travel without needing an overnight stop.

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

115.9 miles from Ellinwood, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 14m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 97.2 mi 1h 40m
Limestone Road 52.9 mi 1h 1m
East Santa Fe Avenue 35.9 mi 40m
US 50 24.7 mi 29m
KS 150 16.7 mi 19m
West 87th Street 1.5 mi 2m
Santa Fe Drive 1.1 mi 2m
East Santa Fe Boulevard 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 97.2 mi, about 1h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ellinwood, KS and Overland Park, KS.

1

Start on East 2nd Street

87 ft · 9 sec · East 2nd Street
2

Turn left onto North Main Street

0.1 mi · 35 sec · North Main Street
3

Turn left onto US 56; KS 96

0.5 mi · 33 sec · East Santa Fe Boulevard
4

Continue on US 56; KS 96

36 mi · 40 min · East Santa Fe Avenue
5

Continue on US 56

53 mi · 1 hr 1 min · Limestone Road
6

Enter roundabout onto KS 150

186 ft · 3 sec · KS 150
7

Continue on KS 150

17 mi · 19 min · KS 150
8

Turn left onto US 50

25 mi · 29 min · US 50
9

Enter roundabout

364 ft · 4 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
10

Continue

0.2 mi · 10 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
11

Enter roundabout

30 ft · 0 sec
Toward I 35 North: Kansas City
12

Continue

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward I 35 North: Kansas City
13

Merge onto I 35

95 mi · 1 hr 37 min · I 35
Use the straight lane.
14

Continue on I 35; US 56; US 169

2.6 mi · 2 min · I 35; US 56; US 169
Toward I 35 North, US 56 East, US 169 North: Des Moines Use the straight lane.
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Exit 225 Toward 75th Street, 87th Street Parkway Use the slight right lane.
16

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Exit 225A Toward 87th Street Parkway Use the slight right lane.
17

Turn straight onto West 87th Street

1.5 mi · 2 min · West 87th Street
18

Continue on Santa Fe Drive

1.1 mi · 2 min · Santa Fe Drive
19

Turn right onto Newton Street

515 ft · 29 sec · Newton Street
20

Turn left onto Valley View Drive

0.1 mi · 29 sec · Valley View Drive
21

Turn left onto Overland Park Drive

267 ft · 15 sec · Overland Park Drive
22

Turn right onto West 81st Street

232 ft · 11 sec · West 81st Street
23

Turn right

134 ft · 9 sec
24

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour and 20-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Ellinwood to maximize your time upon arrival in Overland Park. With a fuel cost estimated at $35, it's advisable to fill up before you leave, as there's only one recommended stop. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 97.2 miles on I-35, so plan your rest stop accordingly, perhaps before or after this segment. This route is straightforward enough to complete in a single day, so you have the flexibility to stop for a brief break when needed.

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 115.9 miles from Ellinwood, KS, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.2 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 51 miles or 58m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 115.9 miles or 2h 14m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 33m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Ellinwood, 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 Ellinwood, KS

This is one driving day of about 231.8 miles and 4h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Ellinwood, 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 97.2 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

116 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

Inman, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Council Grove, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 115.9 miles from Ellinwood, 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 97.2 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

Café Provence

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Prairie Village, Kansas

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $50 to $10 mile 231.8

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+19133845998

Visit website

Caffetteria Modern Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Prairie Village, Kansas

2.5 mi

Fronteras Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lenexa, Kansas

2.8 mi

Café Provence

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $50 to $10 mile 231.8

Prairie Village, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+19133845998

Visit website

Caffetteria Modern Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 231.8

Prairie Village, Kansas

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+19137443100

Visit website

Fronteras Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 231.8

Lenexa, Kansas

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+19139621369

Visit website

Café Vie

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 231.8

Overland Park, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+19139010565

Visit website

Holy Land Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 231.8

Lenexa, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+19133109911

Visit website

Pegah's Family Restaurant - Johnson Drive

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 231.8

Shawnee, Kansas

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+19139626700

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 231.8

Overland Park, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19135993111

Visit website

New Cafe 40

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 231.8

Overland Park, Kansas

Hours: 7 am–2:30 pm

+19132328520

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 49.7

McPherson, Kansas

+18332172197

EV Connect Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 49.7

McPherson, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Game Show Battle Rooms - Kansas City (Overland Park)

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 231.8

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 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 228.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | North Main Street

Turn left onto North Main Street

Navigation decision point

6
130.8 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Enter roundabout toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
6
131 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Enter roundabout toward I 35 North: Kansas City

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Toward I 35 North: Kansas City
8
228.5 mi into trip | ~4h 13m in

Take the exit toward 75th Street, 87th Street Parkway

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 225 Toward 75th Street, 87th Street Parkway
9
228.6 mi into trip | ~4h 13m in

Keep slight right at fork toward 87th Street Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 225A Toward 87th Street Parkway

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.24 one way

$72.48 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 81 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $39.79 $79.58
premium $4.89 $44.61 $89.22
diesel $5.61 $51.18 $102.36

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 81.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 69.5 0 $24.34 $11.13
Efficient EV 58 0 $20.28 $9.27
EV Truck/SUV 92.7 1 $32.45 $14.84

Gas CO2

81 kg

EV CO2

27 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 15, 2026

Origin

Ellinwood, KS

Night in Ellinwood on Saturday

Local time

11:49 PM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Overland Park, KS

Night in Overland Park on Saturday

Local time

11:49 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°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

5 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 20m 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?

The road character for this trip is a mixed drive, with 60% of it being highway. You'll experience a longest stretch of 97.2 miles on I-35, which offers a consistent pace. As you transition from I-35 to Limestone Road and East Santa Fe Avenue, expect a change in scenery and speed, moving from the interstate to more local thoroughfares. This blend means you'll have periods of efficient highway travel punctuated by more community-focused road segments.

60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97.2 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

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 early in the drive near North Main Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 4h 20m drive. You will face about 17 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 130.8 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Ellinwood, KS and Overland Park, KS, road signs point toward Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka.

Kansas City

130.8 mi in | ~2h 32m

Wichita

130.8 mi in | ~2h 32m

Topeka

130.8 mi in | ~2h 32m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 20m. Total distance: 231.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (60%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 97.2 miles on I 35. 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: near the start (North Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 130.8 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.

Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Overland Park, 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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