Origin
Lee's Summit, MO
Afternoon in Lee's Summit on Sunday
Local time
2:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lee's Summit, MO to Bowling Green, MO
Drive Time
4h 3m
Distance
204.9 mi
330 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
Lee's Summit, MO
Jeevan Mahat
Bowling Green, MO
Chris Duan
Trip Overview
Spanning 204.9 miles across the heart of Missouri, this journey from Lee's Summit to Bowling Green is a straightforward trek that takes approximately 4 hours and 3 minutes. Since the entire trip is contained within the Midwest, you will experience consistent regional scenery while navigating a mix of major corridors and local roads. Budgeting about $31 for fuel should cover your needs for the duration of the trip. Because the drive is manageable in a single day, you likely won't need to book an overnight stay, making this an ideal one-day excursion. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of pace, this route offers a practical connection between two distinct Missouri communities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
102.4 miles from Lee's Summit, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip features a varied driving experience, characterized as a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention. While you will spend 28% of your time on highways, the route transitions frequently, keeping you engaged behind the wheel. You can expect a significant 72.9-mile stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, which serves as your longest uninterrupted period of travel. Beyond this main artery, you will navigate via the U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway and US 54. Expect the road personality to shift from faster highway segments to more technical local driving as you move toward your destination.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 72.9 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 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 204.9 miles you will encounter 14 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 2.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.8 miles (I 470): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
2.6 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the ramp toward I 470 North: Independence, Saint Louis
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 470 North: Independence, Saint Louis
6
2.8 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
I 470
Merge onto I 470 toward I 470 North: Saint Louis
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward I 470 North: Saint Louis
7
9.8 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the exit toward I 70 East: Saint Louis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 16B
Toward I 70 East: Saint Louis
5
10.2 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
I 70 / Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
Merge onto I 70 / Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
142.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 41m in
Take the exit toward US 54: Auxvasse, Mexico, Fulton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 148
Toward US 54: Auxvasse, Mexico, Fulton
Towns Along This Route
Between Lee's Summit, MO and Bowling Green, MO, road signs point toward Mexico and Fulton.
Mexico
142.2 mi in
|
~2h 41m
Fulton
142.2 mi in
|
~2h 41m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway | 72.9 mi | 1h 22m |
| U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway | 54.4 mi | 58m |
| US 54 | 49.7 mi | 1h 3m |
| East Liberty Street | 10.3 mi | 13m |
| I 470 | 7 mi | 8m |
| Southeast Douglas Street | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway | 1.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 72.9 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lee's Summit, MO and Bowling Green, MO.
1
Start on Southwest 3rd Street
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
Southwest 3rd Street
Use the none lane.
2
Continue on Southeast 3rd Street
358 ft
·
16 sec
·
Southeast 3rd Street
3
Turn left onto Southeast Douglas Street
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Southeast Douglas Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 470 North: Independence, Saint Louis
5
Merge onto I 470
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
I 470
Toward I 470 North: Saint Louis
Use the none lane.
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 16B
Toward I 70 East: Saint Louis
Use the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 70
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
Use the none lane.
8
Continue on I 70
53 mi
·
56 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the none lane.
9
Continue on I 70; US 40
32 mi
·
34 min
·
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
22 mi
·
24 min
·
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
11
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
12
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
13
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
14
Continue on I 70; US 40
19 mi
·
23 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 148
Toward US 54: Auxvasse, Mexico, Fulton
16
Turn left onto US 54
18 mi
·
20 min
·
US 54
17
At end of road, turn right onto US 54
10 mi
·
13 min
·
East Liberty Street
18
Enter roundabout onto US 54; MO 19
221 ft
·
2 sec
·
US 54; MO 19
19
Continue on US 54; MO 19
8.1 mi
·
11 min
·
US 54; MO 19
20
Enter roundabout onto US 54
48 ft
·
0 sec
·
US 54
21
Continue on US 54
23 mi
·
31 min
·
US 54
22
Turn right
1.5 mi
·
2 min
23
Turn right onto US 61 Business
0.6 mi
·
56 sec
·
US 61 Business
24
Turn left onto West Main Street
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
West Main Street
25
Arrive at destination
West Main Street
Trip Plan
Planning your departure for the morning is your best bet to ensure you reach Bowling Green comfortably within your 4-hour window. With only one recommended stop, you have the flexibility to choose exactly when to stretch your legs, though pacing yourself is key given the turn-heavy nature of the local roads. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge throughout the journey, as your estimated $31 cost can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and idling time in local traffic. Since this is a one-day trip, prioritize a consistent pace to avoid fatigue during the winding segments. A practical tip: check the traffic conditions on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway before you depart to ensure your longest stretch remains clear and stress-free.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 102.4 miles from Lee's Summit, MO, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.9 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 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.4 miles or 1h 54m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bowling Green, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lee's Summit, 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 Lee's Summit, MO
This is one driving day of about 204.9 miles and 4h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Lee's Summit, 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 Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 72.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 102.4 mi from Lee's Summit, MO · 1h 54m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
102 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.4 miles from Lee's Summit, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.9 miles.
Arriving in Bowling Green, MO
The final approach into Bowling Green, 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 Bowling Green, 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
$31.12 one way
$62.24 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $34.31 | $68.62 |
| premium | $4.80 | $38.68 | $77.36 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $45.52 | $91.04 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.5 | 0 | $21.51 | $9.84 |
| Efficient EV | 51.2 | 0 | $17.93 | $8.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82 | 1 | $28.69 | $13.11 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Destination
Bowling Green, MO
Afternoon in Bowling Green on Sunday
Local time
2:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
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
2 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
4h 3m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Lee's Summit, MO to Bowling Green, MO covers 204.9 miles and takes about 4h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, US 54. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 102.4 miles from Lee's Summit, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.12 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 204.9 miles you will encounter 14 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 2.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.8 miles (I 470): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Lee's Summit, MO and Bowling Green, MO, road signs point toward Mexico and Fulton.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Bowling Green, MO
More trips to Bowling Green, MO
Explore more options from Lee's Summit, MO or browse trips ending in Bowling Green, MO.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MO road trips.
Explore maps for Lee's Summit, MO or Bowling Green, MO on MapSof.net.