Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO

606-mile freight corridor via I-70 W across the Great Plains of Kansas, into eastern Colorado to Denver. 1-2 days transit. Moderate difficulty.

Distance

606 mi

Transit Time

1-2 days

Difficulty

Moderate

Toll Cost

$5-10

Average Rates Per Mile

Equipment	Rate/Mile	Est. Total
Dry Van	$2.10	$1,272.6
Reefer	$2.55	$1,545.3
Flatbed	$2.75	$1,666.5

Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.

Route Details

Recommended Route

I-70 W across the Great Plains of Kansas, into eastern Colorado to Denver

Fuel Stops

3 recommended

Tolls

$5-10

Common Freight Types

GrainConsumer GoodsBuilding MaterialsAgricultural Equipment

Backhaul Information

Limited Backhaul Availability

Average backhaul rate: $1.65/mi

Common return cargo: Beer, tech products, outdoor recreation gear, organic goods from Colorado

Key Stops Along the Route

Kansas City, MO

Origin

Topeka, KS

Junction City, KS

Salina, KS

Hays, KS

Colby, KS

Burlington, CO

Limon, CO

Denver, CO

Destination

Seasonal Trends

Kansas grain harvest September-November drives bulk commodity loads. Colorado ski season November-April creates resort supply freight. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes April-June on the Great Plains. Winter blizzards can close I-70 in western Kansas for days.

Trucker Tips for This Lane

I-70 across Kansas is flat and monotonous for 400+ miles. Driver fatigue is a real hazard. Take breaks.

Western Kansas crosswinds are brutal. Empty trailers are at serious risk of blowing over, especially near Goodland and Colby.

Kansas Turnpike section (I-70 near Topeka) requires K-TAG or cash tolls.

Denver's I-70/I-25 interchange (The Mousetrap) is perpetually congested. Avoid 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM.

Fuel is cheapest in Kansas. Colorado prices increase significantly as you approach Denver.

Kansas City to Denver FAQ

Current average rates on the Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO lane are approximately $2.10/mi for dry van, $2.55/mi for reefer, and $2.75/mi for flatbed. Rates fluctuate based on season, fuel costs, and market demand. The most common equipment types on this lane are Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed.

The 606-mile route from Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO typically takes 1-2 days. The recommended route is I-70 W across the Great Plains of Kansas, into eastern Colorado to Denver. Actual transit time depends on weather, traffic, HOS compliance, and whether you run solo or team. Plan for 3 fuel stops along the way.

Backhaul availability on the return trip is limited. When loads are available, they average around $1.65/mi. Common return cargo includes Beer, tech products, outdoor recreation gear, organic goods from Colorado. Because backhaul is weak, negotiate your outbound rate accordingly or look for loads at intermediate stops.

Estimated toll costs on the Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO corridor are $5-10. Factor these tolls into your rate negotiation -- they directly impact your net revenue per mile. Electronic transponders (E-ZPass, SunPass, etc.) can reduce costs and save time at toll plazas.

Related Freight Lanes

Kansas City → Chicago

510 mi · 1 day (7-8 hours)

easyDV $2.25

Denver → Dallas

781 mi · 2 days

challengingDV $2.10

Denver → Albuquerque

449 mi · 1 day (6-7 hours)

challengingDV $2.30

Equipment

Rate/Mile

Est. Total

Dry Van

$2.10

$1,272.6

Reefer

$2.55

$1,545.3

Flatbed

$2.75

$1,666.5

Trucker Tips for This Lane

I-70 across Kansas is flat and monotonous for 400+ miles. Driver fatigue is a real hazard. Take breaks.

Western Kansas crosswinds are brutal. Empty trailers are at serious risk of blowing over, especially near Goodland and Colby.

Kansas Turnpike section (I-70 near Topeka) requires K-TAG or cash tolls.

Denver's I-70/I-25 interchange (The Mousetrap) is perpetually congested. Avoid 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM.

Fuel is cheapest in Kansas. Colorado prices increase significantly as you approach Denver.

Kansas City to Denver FAQ