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Trip from Ashland, MO to Lee's Summit, MO

Data updated 2 hours ago

Drive Time

2h 35m

Distance

138.1 mi

222 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 25m ★
6 AM
2h 36m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 43m
12 PM
2h 41m
3 PM
2h 44m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Ashland, MO, MO

Ashland, MO

Valeria Boltneva

city in Jackson and Cass counties in Missouri, United States

Lee's Summit, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 138.1-mile journey from Ashland to Lee's Summit, Missouri, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is $22, offering an economical option for exploring the Midwest. You'll primarily navigate along U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway (US 63). The route's character suggests a more local feel, so plan for a potentially turn-heavy experience. This is a straightforward drive perfect for a quick getaway or an easy relocation.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

69.1 miles from Ashland, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this 138.1-mile stretch. While 16% of the route utilizes highways, the overall profile suggests frequent changes in direction and potentially slower speeds on local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 54.4 miles on U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway. This means you'll likely experience a varied driving experience, shifting between faster highway segments and more intricate local road navigation. Be prepared for a dynamic route that keeps you engaged with its winding nature.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 54.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near MO M; MO Y / East Broadway.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 138.1 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (MO M; MO Y / East Broadway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 13.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | MO M; MO Y / East Broadway

Enter roundabout onto MO M; MO Y / East Broadway

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

7
13.7 mi into trip | ~15m in

Take the exit toward I 70, US 40, MO PP: Kansas City, Saint Louis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left / straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 70, US 40, MO PP: Kansas City, Saint L...
9
14.3 mi into trip | ~16m in

Take the exit toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
8
127.8 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in

Take the exit toward I 470 South, MO 291 South: Lee's Summit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 15A Toward I 470 South, MO 291 South: Lee's Summit
8
134.5 mi into trip | ~2h 28m in | MO 291

Keep slight left at fork onto MO 291 toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 10B Toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Ashland, MO and Lee's Summit, MO, road signs point toward Mo Pp: Kansas City and Saint Louis.

Mo Pp: Kansas City

13.7 mi in | ~15m

Saint Louis

13.7 mi in | ~15m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway 54.4 mi 58m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 54.3 mi 58m
US 63 13.1 mi 14m
I 470 6.4 mi 7m
MO 291 2.5 mi 4m
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway 1.6 mi 1m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway 1.6 mi 1m
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway 1.3 mi 1m
Longest stretch: U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway — 54.4 mi, about 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ashland, MO and Lee's Summit, MO.

1

Start on MO Y

0.2 mi · 29 sec · East Broadway
2

Enter roundabout onto MO M; MO Y

173 ft · 3 sec · East Broadway
3

Continue on MO M; MO Y

484 ft · 10 sec · East Broadway
4

Enter roundabout

283 ft · 5 sec
5

Continue

0.2 mi · 27 sec
6

Merge onto US 63

13 mi · 14 min · US 63
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 42 sec
Toward I 70, US 40, MO PP: Kansas City, Saint Louis Use the left / straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on US 63 Conn

0.2 mi · 31 sec · US 63 Conn
Use the straight lane.
9

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 54 sec
Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City Use the left lane.
10

Merge onto I 70; US 40

1.3 mi · 1 min · Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
11

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.6 mi · 1 min · Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
12

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.8 mi · 2 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
13

Continue on I 70; US 40

54 mi · 58 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
14

Continue on I 70; US 40

52 mi · 56 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
15

Continue on I 70

1.6 mi · 1 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Exit 15A Toward I 470 South, MO 291 South: Lee's Summit Use the right lane.
17

Merge onto I 470; MO 291

6.4 mi · 7 min · I 470; MO 291
18

Keep slight left at fork onto MO 291

2.5 mi · 4 min · MO 291
Exit 10B Toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville Use the slight left / straight lanes.
19

Turn right onto Southeast 3rd Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · Southeast 3rd Street
20

Continue on Southwest 3rd Street

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
21

Arrive at destination

Southwest 3rd Street

Trip Plan

With a duration of just 2 hours and 35 minutes, this 138.1-mile trip offers great flexibility. You can depart anytime, but leaving mid-morning will give you ample time to reach Lee's Summit without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, you can easily break up the drive around the 54.4-mile mark on U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $22; however, you'll likely find plenty of opportunities for refueling along the way. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means paying close attention to navigation and speed limits, especially as you transition between main roads.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 69.1 miles from Ashland, MO, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.4 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 80 miles or 1h 28m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 69.1 miles or 1h 16m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 4m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lee's Summit, MO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Ashland, MO so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Ashland, MO

This is one driving day of about 138.1 miles and 2h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ashland, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway for about 54.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 69.1 mi from Ashland, MO · 1h 16m into the drive

Downtown Lawson, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lawson, MO

69 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Kansas City, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kansas City, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 69.1 miles from Ashland, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Lee's Summit, MO

The final approach into Lee's Summit, MO usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Lee's Summit, MO.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.59 one way

$43.18 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $23.71 $47.41
premium $4.89 $26.58 $53.15
diesel $5.61 $30.49 $60.98

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 48.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 41.4 0 $14.50 $6.63
Efficient EV 34.5 0 $12.08 $5.52
EV Truck/SUV 55.2 0 $19.33 $8.84

Gas CO2

48 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 5 hours ago

Origin

Ashland, MO

Night in Ashland on Tuesday

Local time

11:19 PM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lee's Summit, MO

Night in Lee's Summit on Tuesday

Local time

11:19 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SSW 18 mph 15% chance Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

33 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 35m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Ashland, MO to Lee's Summit, MO covers 138.1 miles and takes about 2h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, US 63. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 69.1 miles from Ashland, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.59 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 138.1 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (MO M; MO Y / East Broadway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 13.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Ashland, MO and Lee's Summit, MO, road signs point toward Mo Pp: Kansas City and Saint Louis.

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