Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Fort Scott, KS to Kansas City, KS

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

Drive Time

1h 43m

Distance

93.6 mi

151 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min
4 AM
1h 36m ★
6 AM
1h 44m
8 AM
1h 59m
10 AM
1h 49m
12 PM
1h 48m
3 PM
1h 50m
5 PM
1h 58m
8 PM
1h 39m

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
city in Kansas, USA

Fort Scott, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 93.6-mile drive from Fort Scott to Kansas City, Kansas, is a quick 1-hour and 43-minute journey. It's an ideal day trip, with a modest fuel cost of around $15. The route stays within the Great Plains region, offering a consistent landscape throughout. Primarily utilizing US 69, South 7th Street Trafficway, and East 3rd Street, this drive is heavily focused on highway travel, making it efficient for reaching your destination without needing an overnight stop. You'll experience a direct and uncomplicated path between these two Kansas cities.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

46.8 miles from Fort Scott, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 69 89.7 mi 1h 34m
South 7th Street Trafficway 3.2 mi 7m
East 3rd Street 0.2 mi <1m
South National Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Armstrong Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
West 2nd Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 69 — 89.7 mi, about 1h 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fort Scott, KS and Kansas City, KS.

1

Start on West 2nd Street

280 ft · 14 sec · West 2nd Street
2

Turn right onto South National Avenue

375 ft · 14 sec · South National Avenue
3

Turn left onto East 3rd Street

0.2 mi · 35 sec · East 3rd Street
4

Turn left onto US 69; K-7

30 mi · 30 min · US 69; K-7
5

Continue on US 69; KS 52

60 mi · 1 hr 3 min · US 69; KS 52
Use the straight lane.
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 234 Toward US 169 Use the slight right lane.
7

Turn left onto US 169

3.2 mi · 7 min · South 7th Street Trafficway
Use the straight lane.
8

Turn left onto Armstrong Avenue

282 ft · 17 sec · Armstrong Avenue
9

Turn left

149 ft · 10 sec
10

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a short duration of just under two hours, this trip offers great flexibility; you can leave whenever it suits you best. Given the minimal driving time and 0 recommended stops, you can easily complete this journey on US 69 and connecting city streets in a single push. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longest 89.7-mile stretch on US 69, to ensure you have enough to reach Kansas City without needing to search for stations. The modest $15 fuel cost makes this an economical choice for a quick relocation or visit.

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 46.8 miles from Fort Scott, KS, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.7 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 21 miles or 22m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 46.8 miles or 49m 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 21m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fort Scott, KS so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Fort Scott, KS

This is one driving day of about 93.6 miles and 1h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Fort Scott, KS.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 69 for about 89.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lenexa, KS

47 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

Lenexa, KS to Kansas City, KS

14.5 mi · 23m

Pacing Suggestions

Pleasanton, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Grandview, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 46.8 miles from Fort Scott, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 69 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.7 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

Tao Tao Chinese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Kansas

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.6

Hours: 11:45 am–8 pm

+19133421331

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Overland Park, Kansas

0.6 mi

El Torito Taquería

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kansas City, Kansas

1.2 mi

Tao Tao Chinese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.6

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 11:45 am–8 pm

+19133421331

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 80.2

Overland Park, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19135993111

Visit website

El Torito Taquería

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.6

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 8 am–9:30 pm

+19132330463

Visit website

Fronteras Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 80.2

Lenexa, Kansas

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+19139621369

Visit website

Dott Boss

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 93.6

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+18162838000

Visit website

Pokesan - Poke Bowls, Dumplings & More

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.6

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18167016120

Visit website

Pegah's Family Restaurant - Johnson Drive

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 86.9

Shawnee, Kansas

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+19139626700

Visit website

Chef Tito´s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.6

North Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 4–9 pm

+18168414700

Visit website

Game Show Battle Rooms - Kansas City (Overland Park)

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 80.2

Overland Park, Kansas

Hours: 9 am–9:30 pm

+19133501819

Visit website

Money Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 93.6

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 6

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 93.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | South National Avenue

Turn right onto South National Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | East 3rd Street

Turn left onto East 3rd Street

Navigation decision point

7
90 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Take the exit toward US 169

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 234 Toward US 169
4
90.3 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in | US 169 / South 7th Street Trafficway

Turn left onto US 169 / South 7th Street Trafficway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
93.5 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.63 one way

$29.27 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 33 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $16.07 $32.13
premium $4.89 $18.01 $36.02
diesel $5.61 $20.67 $41.33

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 32.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.1 0 $9.83 $4.49
Efficient EV 23.4 0 $8.19 $3.74
EV Truck/SUV 37.4 0 $13.10 $5.99

Gas CO2

33 kg

EV CO2

11 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 15, 2026

Origin

Fort Scott, KS

Morning in Fort Scott on Sunday

Local time

6:57 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Kansas City, KS

Morning in Kansas City on Sunday

Local time

6:57 AM

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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

1h 43m 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 highly highway-focused experience, with 96% of this drive taking place on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 89.7 miles on US 69, meaning you'll have significant time on a single roadway. This profile suggests a predominantly fast-paced drive with fewer opportunities for spontaneous stops along the way. The character of the road is consistent, designed for efficient travel rather than leisurely sightseeing, allowing you to cover ground quickly and directly.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
10 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 89.7 mi on US 69.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 69 and South 7th Street Trafficway. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near South National Avenue.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Fort Scott, KS to Kansas City, KS is easy. At 1h 43m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (South National Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (East 3rd Street): Navigation decision point; at 90 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 43m. Total distance: 93.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 89.7 miles on US 69. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (South National Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (East 3rd Street): Navigation decision point; at 90 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

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

Hugoton, KS 421.6 mi · 7h 58m Colby, KS 371.4 mi · 6h 20m Dodge City, KS 333.9 mi · 6h 11m Fort Dodge, KS 332.5 mi · 6h 11m

More from Fort Scott, KS

Hays, KS 318.4 mi · 5h 53m Soldier, KS 186.4 mi · 3h 27m Pittsburg, KS 31.4 mi · 40m

More trips to Kansas City, KS

Saint Francis, KS 441.1 mi Atwood, KS 400.1 mi Satanta, KS 393.9 mi Plains, KS 382.9 mi Garden City, KS 373.8 mi Attica, KS 273.5 mi
Escape planner: Fort Scott, KS Scenic drives in KS

Explore more options from Fort Scott, KS or browse trips ending in Kansas City, KS.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse KS road trips.