I-70 across Kansas (Kansas City, Topeka, Salina: hotels, live in, prices)

[CoKitty]

We're moving to Colorado in March, from Missouri, and making a straight trip. I'm trying to plan it so that the most of the Kansas driving will be done during the day. But I am concerned about gas stations, especially those that are open at night, for refueling stops. I have heard that there are long stretches of nothingness along I-70 - can anybody tell me about the frequency of fuel stops along I-70?

[thriftylefty]

There is big place in Colby I think it is called the Oasis, they had a Starbucks last time I was there so it must get lots of people. It also has Motel6 and other chains so it wont seem like such an Outpost if you need to stretch, Not sure what kind of gas milage you'er getting but limon might be your next big stop for gas. Comming out of KC going west all the major cities will have convient stops. I even remember Russell KS had a new place to gas up with new and Modern Hotels,(2-3 years ago)

[kansas sky]

I used to drive between Topeka and Colby fairly often and never had a problem. You just have to be smart about it. Look at your maps before you go and have a good feel for how fast your car eats gas. I'd imagine that if you fill up at Salina you should have no trouble making it to Colby, and there are several places to stop in between, if you need to.

[KevK]

There are plenty of good stops on that route- although it is boring. Salina is the only "big little" town.

[quesera]

You can get from Kansas City to Hays with plenty of gas in your tank (depending on efficiency). I'd fill at Hays, though, because the further west you get, the higher the fuel prices tend to be in Ks. Hays, to Limon, CO, is about the same distance as the jog from KC to Hays. There's a huge fuel plaza off I-70, at Limon.

[Gunluvver2]

It is always a good idea when traveling across less populated states in the winter to fill the tank when the needle gets around the half full mark. Not because gas stations are that few and far between but just in case you get stranded somewhere during a sudden snowstorm. Having enough fuel to keep your car warm can make a difference. Just make sure to take precautions to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning. IF you don't know what they are check with your local fire department to learn how. Also it is a good idea to carry a "survival kit" when traveling. An empty coffee can with a box of matches, a BIC lighter, a few chocolate candy bars, several candles, emergency flares, a small AM/FM radio, flashlight etc. Another empty can to use as a Urinal, a couple warm blankets and a gallon jug with drinking water. Those are the basics. Don't forget the most important survival tool IMHO a good folding knife. My favorite is a BUCK.

Don't believe everything you hear about Western Kansas. If you keep your eyes open there are a lot of beautiful sights to be seen, even on I-70.

Have a safe trip,
GL2

[denverian]

I live in Denver and have made the trip to KC many times. There are plenty of gas stations. It's not like other places - West TX on I-10 or I-70 in Utah come to mind- where signs warn you about how far the next gas station is. I alway gas up at the Oasis in Colby, which is about the half way point, but that was getting over 30 mpg.

[kcmo]

Plenty of places and they are open 24 hours, just fill up when you get down to a 1/4 tank.

Driving across Kansas is NOTHING like driving across Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Nevada etc. Kansas is a boring state, but it’s more populated than you might think.

[SJaye]

and if you need somewhere fun to go slightly off the way you can go to the barbed wire museum or the geographical center of the lower 48 states.

[KevK]

Originally Posted by Gunluvver2

It is always a good idea when traveling across less populated states in the winter to fill the tank when the needle gets around the half full mark. Not because gas stations are that few and far between but just in case you get stranded somewhere during a sudden snowstorm. Having enough fuel to keep your car warm can make a difference. Just make sure to take precautions to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning. IF you don't know what they are check with your local fire department to learn how. Also it is a good idea to carry a "survival kit" when traveling. An empty coffee can with a box of matches, a BIC lighter, a few chocolate candy bars, several candles, emergency flares, a small AM/FM radio, flashlight etc. Another empty can to use as a Urinal, a couple warm blankets and a gallon jug with drinking water. Those are the basics. Don't forget the most important survival tool IMHO a good folding knife. My favorite is a BUCK.

Don't believe everything you hear about Western Kansas. If you keep your eyes open there are a lot of beautiful sights to be seen, even on I-70.

Have a safe trip,
GL2

That is good advice- except for the last sentence. Western Kansas is what you want to drive through at NIGHT because you won't miss seeing anything! Once you his Colorado then the scenery gets better.