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Trip from Mulvane, 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

3h 37m

Distance

206.1 mi

332 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 25m ★
6 AM
3h 38m
8 AM
4h 3m
10 AM
3h 46m
12 PM
3h 44m
3 PM
3h 48m
5 PM
4h 1m
8 PM
3h 30m

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 Mulvane, KS, KS

Mulvane, KS

Zsolt Pujsz

Trip Overview

This 206.1-mile drive from Mulvane, KS, to Kansas City, KS, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey through the Great Plains that can comfortably be completed in about 3 hours and 37 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $32, it's an economical option, especially as it's designed for a single day trip. You'll spend most of your time on the Kansas Turnpike, making it an efficient way to travel between these two Kansas points. The route is almost entirely highway, making it a practical choice if you're looking for speed and simplicity.

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

103 miles from Mulvane, KS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Kansas Turnpike 192.7 mi 3h 14m
South Southeast Boulevard 5.1 mi 7m
Southeast Boulevard 2.4 mi 3m
South 7th Street Trafficway 1.5 mi 3m
South Baltimore Avenue 1.5 mi 2m
Eisenhower Memorial Highway 1 mi 1m
North 2nd Avenue 0.9 mi 2m
I 70 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Kansas Turnpike — 192.7 mi, about 3h 14m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Prather Street

119 ft · 5 sec · Prather Street
2

Continue on North 2nd Avenue

0.9 mi · 2 min · North 2nd Avenue
3

Turn left onto KS 15

1.0 mi · 1 min · Eisenhower Memorial Highway
4

Continue on KS 15

2.4 mi · 3 min · Southeast Boulevard
5

Continue on KS 15

1.5 mi · 2 min · South Baltimore Avenue
6

Continue on KS 15

5.1 mi · 7 min · South Southeast Boulevard
7

Turn right onto Turnpike Drive

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Turnpike Drive
8

Take the ramp

524 ft · 12 sec
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 35 North: El Dorado, Kansas City, Kansas Turnpike Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10

Merge onto I 35

82 mi · 1 hr 21 min · Kansas Turnpike
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 335

111 mi · 1 hr 52 min · Kansas Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
12

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
13

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.
14

Turn left onto US 69

1.5 mi · 3 min · South 7th Street Trafficway
Toward US 69 North Use the left lane.
15

Turn left onto Armstrong Avenue

282 ft · 17 sec · Armstrong Avenue
16

Turn left

149 ft · 10 sec
17

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3 hour and 37 minute duration, this route is ideal for a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. You'll have minimal need for extended stops, but planning one break around the halfway point is always a good idea, especially during the 192.7-mile stretch on the Kansas Turnpike. The estimated fuel cost of $32 makes budgeting straightforward. A practical tip for this drive is to ensure your E-ZPass or relevant toll transponder is functioning, as the Kansas Turnpike is a toll road and this will streamline your passage.

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 103 miles from Mulvane, KS, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 192.7 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 45 miles or 52m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 103 miles or 1h 50m 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 57m

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 Mulvane, 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 Mulvane, KS

This is one driving day of about 206.1 miles and 3h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Mulvane, 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 192.7 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

103 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

Andover, KS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Osage City, KS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 103 miles from Mulvane, 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 192.7 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

El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mulvane, Kansas

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13163589273

Visit website

Tao Tao Chinese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Kansas

0.8 mi

El Torito Taquería

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kansas City, Kansas

1.2 mi

El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $10 to $20

Mulvane, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13163589273

Visit website

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 206.1

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 11:45 am–8 pm

+19133421331

Visit website

El Torito Taquería

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 206.1

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 8 am–9:30 pm

+19132330463

Visit website

Dott Boss

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 206.1

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 206.1

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18167016120

Visit website

Globe Indian Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 147.2

Topeka, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+17853541500

Visit website

Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 191.4

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+19133280003

Visit website

Bob Evans

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 191.4

Kansas City, Kansas

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+19132991278

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 14.7

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 29.4

El Dorado, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 14.7

Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 14.7

Wichita, KS

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 58.9

Matfield Green, Kansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18004891588

Visit website

Money Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 206.1

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 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 11.1 and 204.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
11.1 mi into trip | ~17m in

Take the ramp

Navigation decision point

9
11.2 mi into trip | ~17m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35 North: El Dorado, Kansas City, Kansas Turnpike

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 North: El Dorado, Kansas City, Kans...
6
93.3 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in | I 335 / Kansas Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto I 335 / Kansas Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
204 mi into trip | ~3h 32m in | I 70; US 24; US 40; US 69

Keep slight right at fork onto I 70; US 24; US 40; US 69 toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East, US 69 North: Saint Louis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East, US 69...
9
204.3 mi into trip | ~3h 32m 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

$32.22 one way

$64.44 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 72 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $35.38 $70.76
premium $4.89 $39.66 $79.32
diesel $5.61 $45.50 $91.01

Estimated Tolls: $9.64

Kansas Turnpike (192.7 mi) $9.64

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

$32

Tolls

$10

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$67–$92

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 61.8 0 $21.64 $9.89
Efficient EV 51.5 0 $18.03 $8.24
EV Truck/SUV 82.4 1 $28.85 $13.19

Gas CO2

72 kg

EV CO2

24 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

Mulvane, KS

Late night in Mulvane on Sunday

Local time

3:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Kansas City, KS

Late night in Kansas City on Sunday

Local time

3:12 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

18 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 37m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

National Historical Park

The path to equality has been anything but smooth. It's taken courage and dedication by everyday people coming together for a common goal to carry the country toward true equality. Parents, teachers,...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 149.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with 94% of the drive taking place on major roadways. The Kansas Turnpike will be your main companion for the longest stretch of 192.7 miles, offering a consistent and fast-paced journey. This highway-focused profile means you'll likely experience fewer turns and more direct travel, characteristic of long-distance driving within the Great Plains region. While the majority is high-speed, keep an eye out for transitions as you approach your destination.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 192.7 mi on Kansas Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Kansas Turnpike and South Southeast Boulevard. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 11.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 206.1 miles you will encounter 10 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 11.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 11.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93.3 miles (I 335 / Kansas Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Mulvane, KS to Kansas City, KS, road signs begin pointing toward Kansas Turnpike along the way.

Kansas Turnpike

11.2 mi in | ~17m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 37m. Total distance: 206.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 192.7 miles on Kansas Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $9.64 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 11.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 11.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93.3 miles (I 335 / Kansas Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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