Best driving route Phoenix to Wichita (Liberal, Meade: hotel, travel, traffic)

[Sco]

I posted this elswwhere, but I thought it might be better as its own topic.


I am planning to drive to Wichita from Phoenix soon and there are two routes to choose from once you reach eastern New Mexico. If you take US54, it cuts about 100 miles off the trip, but it looks like it is just a two lane highway with a lot of commercial traffic and small town speed traps of 20-30 mph zones. The other alternative is to continue on I40 through OK City, but that adds extra miles and maybe takes more time. If your priority was to reach Wichita as quickly as possible would you take the slower yet shorter 54 or the faster longer I40? Will it be aggravating to drive behind slow trucks/traffic on 54 and be unable to pass? Is 54 in good condition or is it a torn up rural highway? If weather is a factor, would it be safer to be on the interstate instead of rural western Kansas in terms of them clearing the road of snow/ice?

[TheShoeboxDiaries541]

I would take I-40 all the way to Flagstaff. It's longer, mileage wise, but it's an interstate which means you'll be traveling much faster. There are plenty of truck stops and towns along the way, which is also good.

[Nameless]

I would check the weather conditions in the days before your trip. If it looks clear I'd opt for highway 54. Speed limits will be between 65-70 depending on where you are. I-40 is very heavy with truck traffic too.

I've never driven that so I wouldn't know. But, I have been on I-40 from Oklahoma City to Flagstaff and there isn't much to see before you meet up with highway 54.

Highway 54 is 417 miles and I-35 - I-40 is 535 miles.

Take 54 if it's clear.

[chilegal]

I drive hwy 54 all the time. I would rather take it than the interstate. It not only cuts off time but miles also. But I also suggest you check the weather. If its to bad, get a hotel and stay off the roads. I have had better luck on 54 than friends did on the interstate.

[therrboomer]

Unless weather is a factor I'd take US 54.

[Versatile]

Take 54 hwy

[KevK]

US 54 is the more scenic route. When you travel, you should take time and enjoy the scenery and towns along the way. Only a truck driver needs to be in a hurry. Remember that half the fun is getting there. Or, in the case of Wichita, about 90% of the fun is getting there!

[Sco]

Thanks for the responses so far.

As I said, my only priority is the quickest trip possible, I have zero interest in scenery or towns along the way. And lets be honest, there is really nothing to see or do between Tucumcari and Wichita anyway. Maybe some people can be sold on the charms of burgs like Guymon, OK or Meade, KS but I am not one of them. In fact, it is the towns along the way that initially led me to reconsider the 54 option. I know from experience that driving a car with an out of state plate through a town like Meade or Liberal is a lot like walking through a pack of hungry pit bulls with a steak hanging from your neck.

[Nameless]

Just be sure to eat and the use facilities in Liberal or Guymon as those are the few places along the way to stop.

[Sco]

Originally Posted by Nameless

Just be sure to eat and the use facilities in Liberal or Guymon as those are the few places along the way to stop.

Are they available 24/7? One of my concerns is that I would have to time my trip to make sure to pass through these areas before the town closes for the night. What about Sundays?