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Trip from Fairway, KS to Wichita, 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 22m

Distance

189.5 mi

305 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Fair

4 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 11m ★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 47m
10 AM
3h 31m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 32m
5 PM
3h 46m
8 PM
3h 15m

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 Fairway, KS, KS

Fairway, KS

Hanwei Zhang

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

Wichita, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 189.5-mile drive from Fairway, Kansas, to Wichita, Kansas, can easily be accomplished in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes. The majority of your journey, 95% to be exact, will be on highways, making it a straightforward trip through the Great Plains. With an estimated fuel cost of around $30, this route is an economical option for a quick getaway or a direct transit. You'll spend the longest stretch of 174.1 miles on I-35, so be prepared for a consistent highway experience. This drive is best suited for those looking for efficiency and a direct path between these two Kansas cities.

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

94.7 miles from Fairway, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 174.1 mi 2h 57m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway 7.4 mi 9m
Shawnee Mission Parkway 3 mi 5m
US 56 2.5 mi 3m
South Broadway Avenue 0.5 mi <1m
West 59th Street 0.4 mi 1m
North Broadway Street 0.4 mi <1m
Roe Avenue 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 174.1 mi, about 2h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West 59th Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · West 59th Street
2

At end of road, turn left onto Roe Avenue

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Roe Avenue
3

Turn right onto West 60th Street

0.1 mi · 29 sec · West 60th Street
4

Turn left onto US 56; US 169

3.0 mi · 5 min · Shawnee Mission Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
5

Turn left onto US 56; US 69; US 169

2.5 mi · 3 min · US 56; US 69; US 169
Toward I 35 South, US 56 West, US 69 South, US 169 South: Wichita Use the left lane.
6

Continue on I 35; US 56; US 169

4.2 mi · 4 min · I 35; US 56; US 169
Toward I 35 South, US 56 West, US 169 South: Wichita Use the straight lane.
7

Continue on I 35; US 50; US 56; US 169

37 mi · 39 min · I 35; US 50; US 56; US 169
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on I 35; US 50; US 59

133 mi · 2 hr 13 min · I 35; US 50; US 59
9

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 53A Toward US 54, US 400
10

Merge onto US 54; US 400

7.4 mi · 9 min · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward Central Business District Use the slight right lane.
12

Continue on East Kellogg Drive

371 ft · 10 sec · East Kellogg Drive
13

Turn right onto South Broadway Avenue

0.5 mi · 52 sec · South Broadway Avenue
14

Continue on North Broadway Street

0.4 mi · 45 sec · North Broadway Street
15

Turn left onto East 3rd Street North

370 ft · 20 sec · East 3rd Street North
16

Turn right onto North Market Street

315 ft · 14 sec · North Market Street
17

Turn left

187 ft · 13 sec
18

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 22-minute duration, this trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day adventure. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for an early arrival in Wichita. While the drive is efficient, plan for one stop to stretch your legs, especially considering the 174.1-mile stretch on I-35. The fuel cost is estimated at $30, so ensure your tank is full before leaving Fairway. Watching for the transition onto I-35 will be key to maintaining your momentum on this primarily highway route.

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 94.7 miles from Fairway, KS, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 174.1 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 42 miles or 49m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 94.7 miles or 1h 43m 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 44m

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 Fairway, 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 Fairway, KS

This is one driving day of about 189.5 miles and 3h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Fairway, 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 174.1 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

95 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

Basehor, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Osage City, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 94.7 miles from Fairway, 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 174.1 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

JJ's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $50 to $10

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18165617136

Visit website

The Granfalloon Restaurant And Bar

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kansas City, Missouri

2.3 mi

Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kansas City, Missouri

2.3 mi

JJ's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $50 to $10

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18165617136

Visit website

The Granfalloon Restaurant And Bar

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+18167537850

Visit website

Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18165235462

Visit website

Country Club Plaza

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+18167530100

Visit website

Heritage by Bo Lings

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18167531718

Visit website

Chaz on the Plaza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+18168022152

Visit website

Rye Plaza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18165413382

Visit website

TAILLEUR RESTAURANT

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $50 to $10

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 5–9 pm

+18164427042

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 135.3

Matfield Green, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18004891588

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 189.5

Wichita, KS

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 175.9

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 175.9

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Money Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 9:30 am–4 pm

+18168812683

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 0.4 and 188.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | Roe Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto Roe Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
0.5 mi into trip | ~2m in | West 60th Street

Turn right onto West 60th Street

Navigation decision point

7
3.7 mi into trip | ~8m in | US 56; US 69; US 169

Turn left onto US 56; US 69; US 169 toward I 35 South, US 56 West, US 69 South, US 169 South: Wichita

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward I 35 South, US 56 West, US 69 South, US...
6
180.2 mi into trip | ~3h 9m in

Take the exit toward US 54, US 400

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

Exit 53A Toward US 54, US 400
6
188.1 mi into trip | ~3h 19m in

Take the exit toward Central Business District

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward Central Business District

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.63 one way

$59.25 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 66 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $32.53 $65.06
premium $4.89 $36.47 $72.94
diesel $5.61 $41.84 $83.68

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 66.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 56.9 0 $19.90 $9.10
Efficient EV 47.4 0 $16.58 $7.58
EV Truck/SUV 75.8 0 $26.53 $12.13

Gas CO2

66 kg

EV CO2

22 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 16, 2026

Origin

Fairway, KS

Night in Fairway on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Wichita, KS

Night in Wichita on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

85°F

Patchy Fog then Sunny

S 6 to 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 10:01AM MDT until April 16 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Goodland KS

Freeze Watch

Freeze Watch issued April 16 at 10:21AM CDT until April 18 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Dodge City 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

28 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 22m 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 predominantly highway-focused experience on this 189.5-mile trip, with 95% of the route utilizing major roads like I-35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway will guide you for a significant portion, offering a consistent pace. You'll encounter one long, uninterrupted stretch of 174.1 miles on I-35, which means minimal distractions and a steady cruising speed. This road profile suggests a drive where you can settle in and cover ground efficiently, with the landscape of the Great Plains unfolding around you.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 174.1 mi on I 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near Roe Avenue.

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 3h 22m 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 0.4 miles (Roe Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (West 60th Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.7 miles (US 56; US 69; US 169): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 3h 22m. Total distance: 189.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 174.1 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: at 0.4 miles (Roe Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (West 60th Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.7 miles (US 56; US 69; US 169): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Wichita, 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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