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Trip from Horton, 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 42m

Distance

73.7 mi

119 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min
4 AM
1h 35m ★
6 AM
1h 43m
8 AM
1h 58m
10 AM
1h 48m
12 PM
1h 47m
3 PM
1h 49m
5 PM
1h 57m
8 PM
1h 38m

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 Horton, KS, KS

Horton, KS

Zsolt Pujsz

Trip Overview

This 73.7-mile drive from Horton, Kansas, to Kansas City, Kansas, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 42 minutes. Designed as a single-day excursion, you won't need to worry about overnight accommodations. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $12, making it quite budget-friendly. You'll primarily travel on I-29 and US-73 Highway, with a portion on 45 Highway, traversing the familiar Great Plains landscape of Kansas. This route offers a practical and efficient way to get from point A to point B without significant detours or time commitments.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

36.9 miles from Horton, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 29 16.8 mi 18m
US 73 Highway 15.7 mi 23m
45 Highway 13.7 mi 18m
US Highway 73 8.2 mi 9m
273 Highway 4.6 mi 6m
US 69 3.6 mi 8m
Southwest 59 Highway 3.3 mi 4m
Harry Darby Memorial Highway 1.8 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 29 — 16.8 mi, about 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 159

0.5 mi · 1 min · 1st Avenue East
2

Turn right onto US 73; KS 20

0.5 mi · 1 min · East 15th Street
3

Continue on US 73; KS 20

0.2 mi · 26 sec · 110th Street
4

Continue on US 73; KS 20

8.2 mi · 9 min · US Highway 73
5

Continue on US 73

16 mi · 23 min · US 73 Highway
6

Continue on Woodlawn Avenue

0.4 mi · 46 sec · Woodlawn Avenue
7

Keep slight right at fork

472 ft · 9 sec
8

Turn slight right onto Main Street

1.5 mi · 2 min · Main Street
9

Turn right onto South 4th Street

415 ft · 14 sec · South 4th Street
10

Turn left onto US 59

0.5 mi · 59 sec · Amelia Earhart Bridge
11

Continue on US 59; MO 273

3.3 mi · 4 min · Southwest 59 Highway
12

Turn right onto MO 45; MO 273

1.7 mi · 2 min · Southwest 45 Highway
13

Continue on MO 45; MO 273

14 mi · 18 min · 45 Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Turn left onto MO 273

4.0 mi · 5 min · 273 Highway
Use the left lane.
15

At end of road, turn left onto MO 273

0.6 mi · 1 min · 273 Highway
Use the left lane.
16

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
17

Merge onto I 29; US 71

3.8 mi · 4 min · I 29; US 71
18

Merge onto I 29; I 435; US 71

2.2 mi · 2 min · I 29; I 435; US 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 29; US 71

11 mi · 11 min · I 29; US 71
Toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City Use the slight right lane.
20

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Exit 3B Toward I 635 South: Kansas Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Continue on I 635

1.8 mi · 2 min · Harry Darby Memorial Highway
22

Keep slight left at fork onto US 69

3.6 mi · 8 min · US 69
Exit 10 Toward US 69 South: Fairfax District Way Use the slight left / straight lanes.
23

Turn right onto Armstrong Avenue

282 ft · 17 sec · Armstrong Avenue
24

Turn left

149 ft · 10 sec
25

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 1 hour and 42 minutes, this trip offers a lot of flexibility. You can depart at your leisure, perhaps in the mid-morning to avoid early rush hour. With no designated stops, you can easily pull over if needed, though the longest stretch without a change in major road is only 16.8 miles on I-29, so extended breaks aren't strictly necessary. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $12 estimated cost is based on current prices and your vehicle's efficiency; it's always wise to refuel before you're nearing empty, especially when transitioning between highway and local roads.

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 36.9 miles from Horton, KS, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 16.8 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 16 miles or 22m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 36.9 miles or 52m 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 25m

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 Horton, KS so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Horton, KS

This is one driving day of about 73.7 miles and 1h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Horton, KS.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 29 for about 16.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Platte County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Weston, MO

37 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

Atchison, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kickapoo, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 36.9 miles from Horton, 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.

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 73.7

Hours: 11:45 am–8 pm

+19133421331

Visit website

Corner Cafe Riverside

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Riverside, Missouri

0.8 mi

Paolucci Restaurant, Deli & Lounge

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Atchison, Kansas

0.7 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 73.7

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 11:45 am–8 pm

+19133421331

Visit website

Corner Cafe Riverside

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 68.5

Riverside, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+18167412570

Visit website

Paolucci Restaurant, Deli & Lounge

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 26.3

Atchison, Kansas

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+19133676105

Visit website

Mr. G's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 26.3

Atchison, Kansas

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+19134264674

Visit website

El Torito Taquería

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73.7

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 8 am–9:30 pm

+19132330463

Visit website

Trezo Mare Restaurant & Lounge

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 68.5

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18165053200

Visit website

Palacio Maya Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 68.5

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18162167647

Visit website

Asian Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73.7

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18168943988

Visit website

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73.7

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Money Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 73.7

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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 46.4 and 70.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
46.4 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in | MO 273 / 273 Highway

Turn left onto MO 273 / 273 Highway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
50.3 mi into trip | ~1h 11m in | MO 273 / 273 Highway

At end of road, turn left onto MO 273 / 273 Highway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
57.3 mi into trip | ~1h 19m in | I 29; US 71

Keep slight left at fork onto I 29; US 71 toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
7
68 mi into trip | ~1h 31m in

Take the exit toward I 635 South: Kansas

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 3B Toward I 635 South: Kansas
8
70.1 mi into trip | ~1h 34m in | US 69

Keep slight left at fork onto US 69 toward US 69 South: Fairfax District Way

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 10 Toward US 69 South: Fairfax District Way

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$11.52 one way

$23.04 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 26 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $12.65 $25.30
premium $4.89 $14.18 $28.37
diesel $5.61 $16.27 $32.54

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 25.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 22.1 0 $7.74 $3.54
Efficient EV 18.4 0 $6.45 $2.95
EV Truck/SUV 29.5 0 $10.32 $4.72

Gas CO2

26 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (65% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Horton, KS

Late night in Horton on Sunday

Local time

5:09 AM

CDT

Current temp

37°F

Partly Cloudy

NNW 10 to 15 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 2:21AM CDT until April 19 at 4:38AM CDT by NWS Wichita KS

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 2:20AM CDT until April 21 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS Wichita KS

Destination

Kansas City, KS

Late night in Kansas City on Sunday

Local time

5:09 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

54°F

Weston, MO

37 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

37 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

1h 42m 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?

With 60% of this route on highways, expect a mixed driving experience. You'll encounter stretches of faster-paced interstate travel, particularly on I-29, where the longest uninterrupted segment spans 16.8 miles. The inclusion of US-73 Highway and 45 Highway means you'll also navigate some more local road conditions, potentially with varying speed limits and traffic patterns. This blend means the drive isn't a constant highway grind, but rather a progression that shifts between efficient travel and more community-oriented roadways as you approach your destination.

60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 16.8 mi on I 29.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 46.4 miles in near MO 273 / 273 Highway.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 73.7 miles you will encounter 14 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: at 46.4 miles (MO 273 / 273 Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 50.3 miles (MO 273 / 273 Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 57.3 miles (I 29; US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 42m. Total distance: 73.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (60%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 16.8 miles on I 29. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Kansas City, KS before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

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 46.4 miles (MO 273 / 273 Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 50.3 miles (MO 273 / 273 Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 57.3 miles (I 29; US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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.

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