Detroit to Kansas City: Road Trip Guide & Distance

643.2 miles 1035.2 km · straight line
764.8 miles actual route 1230.9 km · driving distance
14h 15min estimated drive time
$74 - $91 estimated fuel cost
~1h 48min flight time
254° WSW bearing direction

How far is Detroit from Kansas City?

The distance from Detroit to Kansas City is 643.2 miles (1035.2 km) as the crow flies. Kansas City is located WSW of Detroit. By car, the driving distance is approximately 764.8 miles, taking about 14h 15min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 48min. Both are located in United States — Detroit in Michigan and Kansas City in Missouri.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Detroit and Kansas City. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Detroit to Kansas City

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 14h 15min $74 - $91 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 48min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~17h 6min $61–$115* Budget
Train ~18h 32min $92–$268* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Detroit & Kansas City

Quick Facts

Detroit
42.33°N, 83.05°W
America/Detroit
183m elevation
Kansas City
39.10°N, 94.58°W
America/Chicago
277m elevation
Explore more routes from Kansas City

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 214 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 54 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 38.7 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM