Dodge City

Dodge City is a legendary point on the map of the Wild West, located in the state of Kansas, USA. This city attracts travellers with its unique cowboy atmosphere, rich historical heritage, and the opportunity to touch the frontier era. You can get here in various ways: by flying into neighbouring regional airports, using the network of highways, or planning a route with bus transfers.

Since Dodge City itself does not have its own civil airport, travellers will have to choose one of the neighbouring transport hubs. The nearest option is the regional airport in the city of Liberal (LBL), located approximately 112 kilometres away, or the slightly more distant airport of Hays (HYS), situated 138 km away.

For a wider selection of flights, many tourists prefer to fly via Wichita (ICT), which is 236 km away but accommodates significantly more airlines. Getting to the final destination from any of these airports is not difficult, as they are well-connected to the region's road network.

Direct railway communication with the city is absent, as Dodge City does not have an active station for passenger trains. Fans of railway travel will have to travel to the nearest major stations in the cities of Liberal or Hays, located within a radius of 140 km.

You can also consider the popular route via Wichita (236 km), from where the remaining part of the journey to the historic centre of the Wild West is conveniently covered by a rented car. Such a combined journey will allow you to combine the romance of trains with the comfort of a road trip.

Although exact information on specific direct routes may vary at the moment, bus services remain an accessible way to get to Dodge City from neighbouring regions. Travellers are advised to check the schedules of national and regional carriers operating across the state of Kansas in advance.

A bus trip will allow you to enjoy the views of the American prairies and reach the city in comfort without the need to drive yourself. Usually, routes run through the state's major transport hubs, which allows for planning a convenient connection.

Travelling by car is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to visit Dodge City. The shortest route leads from the city of Liberal: the distance of 132 km can be calmly covered in approximately 1.4 hours on quality state roads.

A trip from the city of Hays will take about 1.8 hours (170 km), and the road from the major centre of Wichita will require about 2.6 hours to cover 248 km. Roads in this region are usually uncongested, making driving a pleasant part of the adventure, and since taxis or private transfers for such distances would cost a significant amount, renting a car is preferable.

To ensure your trip to Dodge City is as comfortable as possible and leaves only vivid memories, it is worth considering a few practical nuances in advance. This city, imbued with the spirit of Westerns, is hospitable but has its own features that are useful for a tourist to know.

1. Clothing and Climate. Kansas has distinct seasons. It can be very hot in summer, so take light clothing made of natural fabrics and a head covering. In winter and the off-season, a windproof jacket is mandatory, as strong winds often blow in the prairies.
2. Transport. Public transport in small US cities is not as well-developed as in megacities. The optimal solution would be car rental, which will give you complete freedom of movement around the attractions.
3. Finance. The main currency is the US Dollar. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is useful to carry some cash (bills of 1–5 dollars) for tips and small purchases.
4. Health and Safety. Dodge City is a safe city, but standard precautions are always advisable. Pharmacies are widely available, and the number for emergency services is unified — 911.
5. Communication. The language of communication is English. Locals are distinguished by their friendliness and often use slang expressions characteristic of the Midwest, but they are always ready to help a tourist.
6. Local Etiquette. In the USA, it is customary to leave tips amounting to 15–20% of the bill in restaurants and taxis. It is also considered good manners to smile and greet staff in shops.

Additional tip: be sure to set aside time to visit the historical reenactments of shootouts — this is the city's calling card, which will allow you to feel like a hero of a real Western movie.