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Trip from Meade, KS to Wichita, KS

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

Drive Time

3h 26m

Distance

173.2 mi

279 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 15m ★
6 AM
3h 27m
8 AM
3h 51m
10 AM
3h 35m
12 PM
3h 33m
3 PM
3h 37m
5 PM
3h 50m
8 PM
3h 19m

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 Meade, KS, KS

Meade, KS

Tien Nguyen

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

Wichita, KS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Meade, KS to Wichita, KS is 173.2 miles and takes about 3h 26m via The Yellow Brick Road, Cannonball Stageline, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive across Kansas. Expect a local, turn-heavy experience rather than a high-speed interstate journey. With a recommended one-day duration, this route is perfect for those looking for a manageable drive with minimal time commitment.

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

86.6 miles from Meade, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
The Yellow Brick Road 61.7 mi 1h 10m
Cannonball Stageline 60.2 mi 1h 8m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway 41.8 mi 48m
West 1st Street 3.1 mi 6m
D Avenue 2.4 mi 5m
West Kansas Avenue 1.3 mi 2m
West Front Street 0.7 mi <1m
West Carthage Street 0.6 mi <1m
Longest stretch: The Yellow Brick Road — 61.7 mi, about 1h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 54; US 160

0.6 mi · 42 sec · West Carthage Street
2

Continue on US 54; US 160

21 mi · 23 min · The Yellow Brick Road
3

Continue on US 54

0.7 mi · 48 sec · West Front Street
4

Continue on US 54

41 mi · 46 min · The Yellow Brick Road
5

Continue on US 54; US 400

1.3 mi · 2 min · West Kansas Avenue
6

Continue on US 54; US 400

29 mi · 33 min · Cannonball Stageline
7

Continue on US 54; US 400

3.1 mi · 6 min · West 1st Street
8

Continue on US 54; US 400

31 mi · 35 min · Cannonball Stageline
Use the straight lane.
9

Continue on US 54; US 400

2.4 mi · 5 min · D Avenue
10

Continue on US 54; US 400; KS 14

42 mi · 48 min · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward Central Business District Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto East Kellogg Drive

0.2 mi · 33 sec · East Kellogg Drive
13

Turn left onto South Broadway Avenue

0.5 mi · 57 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 3h 26m duration and 173.2-mile distance, departing Meade, KS in the morning allows ample time to reach Wichita, KS before evening. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically to break up the 61.7-mile longest stretch on The Yellow Brick Road. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $27 estimated cost suggests a budget-conscious drive, and fuel stops might be less frequent on these local roads. This short, single-day trip offers flexibility, so consider leaving a bit earlier if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

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 86.6 miles from Meade, KS, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.7 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 38 miles or 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 86.6 miles or 1h 40m 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 49m

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 Meade, 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 Meade, KS

This is one driving day of about 173.2 miles and 3h 26m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Meade, 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 The Yellow Brick Road for about 61.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Lake City, KS, KS

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lake City, KS

87 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

Fort Dodge, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lake City, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.6 miles from Meade, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before The Yellow Brick Road if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.7 miles.

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.

Best meal stop

Chuck Wagon Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meade, Kansas

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+16208732414

Bob's Drive-In Hamburger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Meade, Kansas

0.5 mi

Medrano's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fowler, Kansas

1.5 mi

Chuck Wagon Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Meade, Kansas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+16208732414

Bob's Drive-In Hamburger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Meade, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+16208732862

Visit website

Medrano's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Fowler, Kansas

Hours: 5–9 pm

+16206465202

Crazy Mule Restaurant and Catering

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Greensburg, Kansas

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+16207239025

Visit website

Paraiso Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Minneola, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16208854748

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

Candycane Lane

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

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 171.7 and 173.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
171.7 mi into trip | ~3h 23m 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
5
172 mi into trip | ~3h 23m in | East Kellogg Drive

Keep slight left at fork onto East Kellogg Drive

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

4
172.1 mi into trip | ~3h 24m in | South Broadway Avenue

Turn left onto South Broadway Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
173.1 mi into trip | ~3h 26m in | North Market Street

Turn right onto North Market Street

Navigation decision point

5
173.2 mi into trip | ~3h 26m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.08 one way

$54.16 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $29.73 $59.46
premium $4.89 $33.33 $66.66
diesel $5.61 $38.24 $76.48

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 60.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 52 0 $18.19 $8.31
Efficient EV 43.3 0 $15.15 $6.93
EV Truck/SUV 69.3 0 $24.25 $11.08

Gas CO2

61 kg

EV CO2

20 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 20, 2026

Origin

Meade, KS

Morning in Meade on Tuesday

Local time

7:10 AM

CDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Wichita, KS

Morning in Wichita on Tuesday

Local time

7:10 AM

CDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

43°F

Lake City, KS

87 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

Very similar conditions

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

Road read

3h 26m 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?

This route is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive, with no highway percentage, indicating a focus on smaller roads. You'll experience a dynamic drive, with the longest uninterrupted stretch covering 61.7 miles on The Yellow Brick Road. The transition between The Yellow Brick Road, Cannonball Stageline, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway means you'll navigate various road types, requiring your attention to be on the road and directions. This isn't a route for autopilot; it demands engagement from the driver.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.7 mi on The Yellow Brick Road.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 171.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 26m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 171.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 172 miles (East Kellogg Drive): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 172.1 miles (South Broadway Avenue): Navigation decision point.

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 26m. Total distance: 173.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 61.7 miles on The Yellow Brick Road. 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 171.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 172 miles (East Kellogg Drive): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 172.1 miles (South Broadway Avenue): Navigation decision point.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 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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