Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Ellsworth, KS to Wichita, KS

Pin this trip

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

Drive Time

2h 7m

Distance

104.7 mi

168 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Fair

4 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min
4 AM
1h 58m ★
6 AM
2h 7m
8 AM
2h 25m
10 AM
2h 14m
12 PM
2h 12m
3 PM
2h 15m
5 PM
2h 24m
8 PM
2h 2m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Ellsworth, KS, KS

Ellsworth, KS

Tien Nguyen

city in and county seat of Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States

Wichita, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 104.7-mile drive from Ellsworth, Kansas, to Wichita, Kansas, is easily manageable in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes. You'll primarily navigate KS 14, North Broadway Avenue, and South Grand Avenue. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $16. Since both locations are within the Great Plains region, you can expect a consistent landscape throughout. This route is ideal for a day trip, allowing for a relaxed pace and no need to break up the drive with an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

52.3 miles from Ellsworth, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
KS 14 40.7 mi 44m
North Broadway Avenue 29.1 mi 34m
South Grand Avenue 27.9 mi 34m
North Broadway Street 4.2 mi 7m
US 50 1.4 mi 1m
North Douglas Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
North Lincoln Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
North Main Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: KS 14 — 40.7 mi, about 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ellsworth, KS and Wichita, KS.

1

Start on North Lincoln Avenue

0.2 mi · 52 sec · North Lincoln Avenue
2

Turn right onto North Main Street

401 ft · 17 sec · North Main Street
3

Turn left onto KS 14

0.3 mi · 53 sec · North Douglas Avenue
4

Continue on KS 14

28 mi · 34 min · South Grand Avenue
5

Continue on KS 14; KS 96

29 mi · 34 min · North Broadway Avenue
6

Continue on US 50; KS 14; KS 61; KS 96

1.4 mi · 1 min · US 50; KS 14; KS 61; KS 96
Use the straight lane.
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward KS 96
8

Turn right onto KS 14; KS 96

41 mi · 44 min · KS 14; KS 96
Toward Wichita Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 15 Toward Broadway Avenue
10

Turn right onto North Broadway Street

4.2 mi · 7 min · North Broadway Street
11

Turn right onto East Central Avenue

368 ft · 14 sec · East Central Avenue
12

Turn left onto North Market Street

358 ft · 11 sec · North Market Street
13

Turn right

187 ft · 13 sec
14

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of this trip, you have the flexibility to leave at your convenience. Aiming for a morning departure will allow you to arrive in Wichita with plenty of daylight. With no designated stops in the data, plan for a brief fuel or restroom break around the halfway point if needed. A practical tip for this route: keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on KS 14 is over 40 miles, and services might be less frequent in those sections.

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 52.3 miles from Ellsworth, KS, or about 1h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.7 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 23 miles or 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 52.3 miles or 1h 5m 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 42m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Ellsworth, 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 Ellsworth, KS

This is one driving day of about 104.7 miles and 2h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Ellsworth, KS.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on KS 14 for about 40.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Kansas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hutchinson, KS

52 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

Hutchinson, KS to Wichita, KS

49.4 mi · 1h 2m

Pacing Suggestions

Ellinwood, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hutchinson, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 52.3 miles from Ellsworth, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

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

El Potrillo Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Hutchinson, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16206649824

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Hutchinson, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Haven, Kansas

+18333994638

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Wichita, KS

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Charge Pro Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Halfway reset 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Hutchinson, Kansas

+18888074522

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 104.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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

Turn right onto North Main Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.3 mi into trip | ~1m in | KS 14 / North Douglas Avenue

Turn left onto KS 14 / North Douglas Avenue

Navigation decision point

6
59.1 mi into trip | ~1h 13m in | KS 14; KS 96

Turn right onto KS 14; KS 96 toward Wichita

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward Wichita
5
99.8 mi into trip | ~1h 58m in

Take the exit toward Broadway Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 15 Toward Broadway Avenue
5
104.6 mi into trip | ~2h 6m in | North Market Street

Turn left onto North Market Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.37 one way

$32.74 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 37 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $17.97 $35.94
premium $4.89 $20.15 $40.30
diesel $5.61 $23.12 $46.23

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 36.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 31.4 0 $10.99 $5.03
Efficient EV 26.2 0 $9.16 $4.19
EV Truck/SUV 41.9 0 $14.66 $6.70

Gas CO2

37 kg

EV CO2

12 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 20, 2026

Origin

Ellsworth, KS

Late night in Ellsworth on Tuesday

Local time

4:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Wichita, KS

Late night in Wichita on Tuesday

Local time

4:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

66°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

2 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

2h 7m 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 mixed drive experience on this route, with about 40% of the journey on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 40.7 miles along KS 14, offering a chance to settle in. As you transition through different road types, the drive will likely shift from more open highway conditions to more urban or suburban approaches as you near Wichita. This blend means you'll experience both steady cruising and more varied traffic patterns.

40% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 40.7 mi on KS 14.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near North Main Street.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Ellsworth, KS to Wichita, KS is easy. At 2h 7m with 40% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (North Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (KS 14 / North Douglas Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 59.1 miles (KS 14; KS 96): Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Wichita, KS

Full guide →

Wichita is the largest city in Kansas — since Kansas City is divided between the states of Kansas and Missouri. It is not the biggest or flashiest city in the US, but it is a medium-sized city with a small-town feel. It offers much to tourists with its variety of attractions. === Tourist information === Visit Wichita website

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 2h 7m. Total distance: 104.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (40%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 40.7 miles on KS 14. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 0.2 miles (North Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (KS 14 / North Douglas Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 59.1 miles (KS 14; KS 96): Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Wichita, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Wichita, KS

Colby, KS 289.2 mi · 4h 56m Lansing, KS 192.7 mi · 3h 22m Leawood, KS 190.3 mi · 3h 23m Prairie Village, KS 188.4 mi · 3h 24m

More trips to Wichita, KS

Elwood, KS 214.4 mi Baker, KS 200.5 mi Horton, KS 196.8 mi Kansas City, KS 196.6 mi Atchison, KS 191.5 mi Fairway, KS 189.5 mi
Escape planner: Ellsworth, KS Scenic drives in KS

Explore more options from Ellsworth, KS or browse trips ending in Wichita, KS.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse KS road trips.