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Trip from Moundridge, KS to Kansas City, 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 39m

Distance

199.1 mi

320 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 27m ★
6 AM
3h 39m
8 AM
4h 4m
10 AM
3h 48m
12 PM
3h 45m
3 PM
3h 49m
5 PM
4h 3m
8 PM
3h 32m

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 Moundridge, KS, KS

Moundridge, KS

Tien Nguyen

Trip Overview

Spanning 199.1 miles across the heart of the Great Plains, this drive from Moundridge to Kansas City is a straightforward trek that typically takes 3 hours and 39 minutes. Because the route is compact, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $30 for fuel to complete the journey. By sticking primarily to major corridors like the Kansas Turnpike, US 50, and I-135, you get a reliable path through the Kansas landscape. Whether you are heading to the city for business or a quick getaway, the trip is efficient and easy to navigate.

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

99.6 miles from Moundridge, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Kansas Turnpike 110.4 mi 1h 51m
US 50 69 mi 1h 21m
I 135 14.3 mi 14m
South 7th Street Trafficway 1.5 mi 3m
Arrowhead Road 1.1 mi 1m
Cole Street 0.5 mi 1m
I 70 0.3 mi <1m
US 69 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Kansas Turnpike — 110.4 mi, about 1h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Cole Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Cole Street
2

Continue on Arrowhead Road

1.1 mi · 1 min · Arrowhead Road
3

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
4

Merge onto I 135; US 81

13 mi · 13 min · I 135; US 81
Use the straight lane.
5

Continue on I 135; US 50; US 81

0.4 mi · 24 sec · I 135; US 50; US 81
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward First Street, Broadway Street Use the slight right lane.
7

Enter roundabout

412 ft · 8 sec
8

Continue

0.3 mi · 33 sec
9

Merge onto I 135; US 50; US 81

0.5 mi · 30 sec · I 135; US 50; US 81
10

Take the exit onto US 50

26 mi · 31 min · US 50
Exit 33 Toward US 50: Peabody, Emporia
11

Enter roundabout onto US 50

213 ft · 9 sec · US 50
Toward US 50 East: Emporia
12

Continue on US 50

43 mi · 50 min · US 50
Toward US 50 East: Emporia
13

Enter roundabout

364 ft · 4 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
14

Continue

0.2 mi · 10 sec
Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
15

Enter roundabout

440 ft · 5 sec
Toward I 35 South: Wichita, Topeka
16

Continue

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward I 35 South: Wichita, Topeka
17

Merge onto I 35

0.1 mi · 10 sec · I 35
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 335 North: Topeka, Kansas City
19

Merge onto I 335

110 mi · 1 hr 51 min · Kansas Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
20

Keep slight right at fork onto I 70; US 24; US 40; US 69

0.3 mi · 24 sec · I 70; US 24; US 40; US 69
Toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East, US 69 North: Saint Louis
21

Take the exit onto US 69

0.2 mi · 20 sec · US 69
Exit 422A Toward US 69 North, US 169 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Turn left onto US 69

1.5 mi · 3 min · South 7th Street Trafficway
Toward US 69 North Use the left lane.
23

Turn left onto Armstrong Avenue

282 ft · 17 sec · Armstrong Avenue
24

Turn left

149 ft · 10 sec
25

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 3 hour and 39 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Plan for at least one stop during your 199.1-mile journey to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the majority of your time is spent on the Kansas Turnpike, keep your payment method or toll pass ready to ensure a smooth transit through those sections. If you want to avoid the heaviest traffic, aim to time your arrival in Kansas City to steer clear of typical rush hour windows. Keeping your fuel levels topped off before hitting the turnpike will help you maintain a stress-free pace for the duration of the trip.

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 99.6 miles from Moundridge, KS, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.4 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 44 miles or 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 99.6 miles or 1h 55m 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 59m

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 Moundridge, 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 Moundridge, KS

This is one driving day of about 199.1 miles and 3h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Moundridge, 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 Kansas Turnpike for about 110.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Osage County, Kansas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Osage City, KS

100 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

Peabody, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Osage City, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 99.6 miles from Moundridge, KS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Kansas Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 110.4 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 · home stretch

Tao Tao Chinese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Kansas

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11:45 am–8 pm

+19133421331

Visit website

El Torito Taquería

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kansas City, Kansas

1.2 mi

Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kansas City, Kansas

2.2 mi

Tao Tao Chinese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 11:45 am–8 pm

+19133421331

Visit website

El Torito Taquería

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 8 am–9:30 pm

+19132330463

Visit website

Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+19133280003

Visit website

Bob Evans

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+19132991278

Visit website

Whataburger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

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

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19138715874

Visit website

Dott Boss

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

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

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+18162838000

Visit website

Pokesan - Poke Bowls, Dumplings & More

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18167016120

Visit website

Chef Tito´s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

North Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 4–9 pm

+18168414700

Visit website

Money Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 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 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 15.7 and 197.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
15.7 mi into trip | ~16m in

Take the exit toward First Street, Broadway Street

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward First Street, Broadway Street
6
16.8 mi into trip | ~18m in | US 50

Take the exit onto US 50 toward US 50: Peabody, Emporia

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

Exit 33 Toward US 50: Peabody, Emporia
6
85.9 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in

Enter roundabout toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka
7
86.1 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in

Enter roundabout toward I 35 South: Wichita, Topeka

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 35 South: Wichita, Topeka
9
197.3 mi into trip | ~3h 34m in | US 69

Take the exit onto US 69 toward US 69 North, US 169 South

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 422A Toward US 69 North, US 169 South

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.13 one way

$62.25 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 70 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $34.18 $68.35
premium $4.89 $38.31 $76.63
diesel $5.61 $43.96 $87.92

Estimated Tolls: $5.52

Kansas Turnpike (110.4 mi) $5.52

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Tolls

$6

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 69.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 59.7 0 $20.91 $9.56
Efficient EV 49.8 0 $17.42 $7.96
EV Truck/SUV 79.6 0 $27.87 $12.74

Gas CO2

70 kg

EV CO2

23 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

Moundridge, KS

Morning in Moundridge on Tuesday

Local time

6:09 AM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Kansas City, KS

Morning in Kansas City on Tuesday

Local time

6:09 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

3 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 39m 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 efficient experience, as 98% of this journey is spent on major highways. The road maintains a consistent pace, characterized by a mix of I-135 and the Kansas Turnpike, which serves as the backbone of your travel. You will find yourself settling into a long, steady rhythm, particularly during the 110.4-mile stretch on the turnpike. This is a highway-focused drive that prioritizes speed and directness over technical maneuvers or winding backroads. Behind the wheel, you will notice a transition from the rural plains toward the more developed infrastructure surrounding Kansas City.

98% 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: 110.4 mi on Kansas Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Kansas Turnpike and US 50. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 199.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 15.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.8 miles (US 50): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.9 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Moundridge, KS and Kansas City, KS, road signs point toward Emporia, Wichita and Topeka.

Emporia

16.8 mi in | ~18m | via US 50

Wichita

85.9 mi in | ~1h 40m

Topeka

85.9 mi in | ~1h 40m

About the Cities

Arriving in Kansas City, KS

Full guide →

Kansas City is a city in the state of Kansas, in the United States of America, and a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City, Kansas, is often referred to as KCK, and Kansas City, Missouri, as KCMO. The two Kansas Cities form the core of the wider Kansas City metropolitan area.

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 39m. Total distance: 199.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 110.4 miles on Kansas Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $5.52 in tolls one way, starting with Kansas Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

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.

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.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 15.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.8 miles (US 50): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.9 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Kansas City, 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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