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City guide

Hays, Kansas

Hays is a city in and the county seat of Ellis County, Kansas, United States. The most populous city in northwestern Kansas, it is the economic and cultural center of the region.

Type CityPopulation 21,116

Why go

  • City in Ellis County, Kansas.
  • Served by Russell Municipal Airport (RSL).

History

Hays is a city in and the county seat of Ellis County, Kansas, United States. The most populous city in northwestern Kansas, it is the economic and cultural center of the region. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 21,116. Hays is home to Fort Hays State University.

Airports

Hays Regional Airport (HYS) 3 mi to the centre
13-3950 E 8th St, Hays, KS 67601 — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Russell Municipal Airport (RSL) 27 mi to the centre
Russell, KS, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Hill City Municipal Airport (HLC) 45 mi to the centre
Hill City, KS, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Rooks County Regional Airport 33 mi to the centre
Stockton, KS, US
Outdoor
Phillipsburg Municipal Airport 60 mi to the centre
Phillipsburg, KS, US
Outdoor
Rans Airport 2.9 mi to the centre
Hays, KS, US
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

Hays, Kansas
Hays, Kansas
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Russell Municipal Airport (RSL); 18 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Hays, Kansas. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

Amtrak
National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Greyhound
Intercity coach
Jefferson Lines
Intercity coach
MegaBus
Intercity coach
Trailways
Intercity coach