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

Drive Time

4h 31m

Distance

225.7 mi

363 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

Downtown Lee's Summit, MO, MO

Lee's Summit, MO

Jeevan Mahat

Downtown Cabool, MO, MO

Cabool, MO

Collab Media

Trip Overview

Spanning 225.7 miles across the Midwest, this trip from Lee's Summit to Cabool takes approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes to complete. Because the duration is manageable, you can easily tackle the entire journey in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via MO 13, US 60, and MO 7, making it a straightforward highway-focused drive. With an estimated fuel cost of $34, it remains an affordable trek through Missouri. Whether you are heading out for business or a change of scenery, this route offers a predictable path between these two points. It is a practical choice for those who prefer a focused, efficient drive rather than a multi-day expedition.

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

112.8 miles from Lee's Summit, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 16m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a trip defined by its efficiency, as 97% of the journey takes place on highways. You will spend a significant portion of your time on MO 13, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the drive at 68 miles. The road’s personality is consistent and steady, moving you quickly through the heart of the state. While the terrain remains relatively predictable, the mix of MO 13, US 60, and MO 7 keeps the drive from feeling like a repetitive interstate grind. You can settle into a comfortable rhythm behind the wheel, knowing that the vast majority of your travel occurs on well-maintained primary roads.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
MO 13 is the longest continuous segment at about 68 miles.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,287 ft 716 ft

Total Climb

649 ft

Total Descent

401 ft

Highest Point

1,287 ft

~225.7 mi in

Elevation Range

571 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 13 and US 60. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Southwest Jefferson Street.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 225.7 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Southwest Jefferson Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 17.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.8 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

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

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Southwest Jefferson Street

Turn right onto Southwest Jefferson Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
6
17.7 mi into trip | ~26m in

Take the exit toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin

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

Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
5
20.8 mi into trip | ~29m in | MO 7

Take the exit onto MO 7 toward MO 7 South: Clinton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 157 Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
5
20.9 mi into trip | ~30m in | MO 7

Turn slight left onto MO 7 toward MO 7 South: Clinton

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Exit 157 Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
5
144.4 mi into trip | ~2h 53m in

Take the exit toward I 44 East: Rolla, Saint Louis

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

Toward I 44 East: Rolla, Saint Louis

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Lee's Summit, MO to Cabool, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Louis along the way.

Saint Louis

144.4 mi in | ~2h 53m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
MO 13 68 mi 1h 19m
US 60 66.8 mi 1h 18m
MO 7 55.6 mi 1h 4m
MO 291 16.9 mi 24m
Schoolcraft Freeway 8.3 mi 10m
Payne Stewart Highway 4.3 mi 5m
I 49 2.8 mi 3m
Southwest Jefferson Street 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: MO 13 — 68 mi, about 1h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Southwest 3rd Street

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
2

Turn right onto Southwest Jefferson Street

0.5 mi · 50 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
Use the none lane.
3

Enter roundabout

251 ft · 5 sec
4

Continue

367 ft · 9 sec
5

Continue on MO 291

17 mi · 24 min · MO 291
6

Continue on Cantrell Road

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Cantrell Road
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
8

Merge onto I 49; US 71

2.8 mi · 3 min · I 49; US 71
9

Take the exit onto MO 7

0.2 mi · 19 sec · MO 7
Exit 157 Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
10

Turn slight left onto MO 7

55 mi · 1 hr 3 min · MO 7
Exit 157 Toward MO 7 South: Clinton Use the left lane.
11

Continue on MO 13

68 mi · 1 hr 19 min · MO 13
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward I 44 East: Rolla, Saint Louis
13

Merge onto I 44

4.3 mi · 5 min · Payne Stewart Highway
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Exit 82A Toward US 65 South: Branson
15

Merge onto US 65

8.3 mi · 10 min · Schoolcraft Freeway
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 52 sec
Toward US 60 East: Cabool
17

Merge onto US 60

67 mi · 1 hr 18 min · US 60
Use the none lane.
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward MO 181: Cabool
19

Turn left onto MO 181

0.4 mi · 44 sec · Peabody Avenue
20

Continue on MO 181

0.2 mi · 24 sec · South Elm Street
21

Turn right onto US 60 Business

0.1 mi · 18 sec · Ozark Street
22

Turn left

120 ft · 8 sec
23

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a one-day trip, your best strategy is to plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Starting early in the morning allows you to avoid potential traffic fluctuations and keeps your arrival time in Cabool flexible. Keep in mind that while the 68-mile stretch on MO 13 is efficient, it is wise to monitor your fuel gauge before committing to those long, uninterrupted segments. By keeping your pace consistent and utilizing that single planned stop effectively, you can make the 4-hour and 31-minute drive feel much shorter. Prioritize checking your route map before departure to ensure you are comfortable with the transitions between MO 7 and US 60.

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 112.8 miles from Lee's Summit, MO, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68 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 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 112.8 miles or 2h 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 3h 42m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cabool, 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 225.7 miles and 4h 31m.

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 MO 13 for about 68 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 112.8 mi from Lee's Summit, MO · 2h 16m into the drive

Downtown Bella Vista, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bella Vista, AR

113 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

Billings, MO

Fuel and coffee

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

Billings, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 112.8 miles from Lee's Summit, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before MO 13 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68 miles.

Arriving in Cabool, MO

The final approach into Cabool, 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 Cabool, 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

$34.28 one way

$68.56 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 79 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $37.79 $75.58
premium $4.80 $42.61 $85.22
diesel $5.64 $50.14 $100.29

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 79 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 67.7 0 $23.70 $10.83
Efficient EV 56.4 0 $19.75 $9.03
EV Truck/SUV 90.3 1 $31.60 $14.44

Gas CO2

79 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 1 day ago

Origin

Lee's Summit, MO

Afternoon in Lee's Summit on Sunday

Local time

2:43 PM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 7 to 14 mph 23% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Destination

Cabool, MO

Afternoon in Cabool on Sunday

Local time

2:43 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms

S 9 mph 23% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Along the Route

74°F

Bella Vista, AR

113 mi in

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 31m 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 Cabool, MO covers 225.7 miles and takes about 4h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are MO 13, US 60, MO 7. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 112.8 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 $34.28 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 is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 225.7 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Southwest Jefferson Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 17.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.8 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
On the drive from Lee's Summit, MO to Cabool, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Louis along the way.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 716 ft to 1,287 ft elevation with about 649 ft of total climbing.

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Return Trip

Cabool, MO to Lee's Summit, MO

Plan the drive back the other way.

225 mi 4h 29m

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