Origin
Licking, MO
Night in Licking on Tuesday
Local time
9:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Licking, MO to Kansas City, MO
Data updated 4 hours ago
Drive Time
4h 58m
Distance
251.3 mi
404 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 45m
★
6 AM
4h 58m
8 AM
5h 25m
10 AM
5h 8m
12 PM
5h 5m
3 PM
5h 9m
5 PM
5h 24m
8 PM
4h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Licking, MO
Agung Pratama
Kansas City, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 251.3-mile drive from Licking, MO, to Kansas City, MO, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, typically taking just under 5 hours. You'll primarily be on US 63 and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, with about 43% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost is around $39, making it an economical option for exploring the Midwest. This route offers a mixed driving experience, suggesting a blend of faster highway travel and potentially some local road sections. With only one recommended stop, you can maintain a good pace while still having an opportunity to stretch your legs.
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
125.6 miles from Licking, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 39m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
The journey from Licking to Kansas City presents a mixed driving profile, meaning you'll encounter a variety of road types. Around 43% of this 251.3-mile route is on highways, offering stretches of faster travel. You'll experience a longest continuous stretch of 106.5 miles on US 63, providing a solid block of highway driving. Expect the road to evolve as you progress, transitioning between these faster sections and potentially more local or two-lane roads as you approach your destination. It's not a monotonous interstate grind, but rather a dynamic drive that keeps you engaged.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 63 is the longest continuous segment at about 106.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near US 63.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 251.3 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 0.3 miles (US 63): Lane positioning matters here; at 123.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 63
Turn right onto US 63
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
123.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m 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
124.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m 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
9
250.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 56m in
|
I 670; I 70 Alt
Keep slight left at fork onto I 670; I 70 Alt toward I 670 West, I 70 Alternate, I 35 South: Topeka, Wichita
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 2L
Toward I 670 West, I 70 Alternate, I 35 South:...
9
250.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 56m in
Take the exit toward 13th Street, Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 2P
Toward 13th Street, Downtown
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Licking, MO and Kansas City, MO, road signs point toward Columbia, Mo Pp: Kansas City and Saint Louis.
Columbia
94.3 mi in
|
~2h 3m
|
via US 63
Mo Pp: Kansas City
123.8 mi in
|
~2h 36m
Saint Louis
123.8 mi in
|
~2h 36m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 63 | 106.5 mi | 2h 11m |
| U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway | 54.4 mi | 58m |
| Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway | 54.3 mi | 58m |
| MO E | 7.5 mi | 10m |
| MO A | 7.5 mi | 10m |
| George Brett Super Highway | 6.8 mi | 9m |
| Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway | 1.8 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US 63
— 106.5 mi, about 2h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Licking, MO and Kansas City, MO.
1
Start on North Main Street
69 ft
·
5 sec
·
North Main Street
2
Turn right onto MO 32; MO 137
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
MO 32; MO 137
3
Turn right onto US 63
34 mi
·
42 min
·
US 63
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Continue on I 44 Business; US Historic 66; US 63
287 ft
·
4 sec
·
North Bishop Avenue
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 44 Business; US Historic 66; US 63
183 ft
·
3 sec
·
North Bishop Avenue
6
Keep slight right at fork onto MO E
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
Tim Bradley Way
7
Enter roundabout onto MO E
181 ft
·
3 sec
·
MO E
8
Continue on MO E
7.5 mi
·
10 min
·
MO E
9
Turn right onto MO A
7.5 mi
·
10 min
·
MO A
10
Turn left onto US 63; MO 28
45 mi
·
58 min
·
US 63; MO 28
11
Take the exit onto US 63
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
US 63
Toward US 54 East, US 63 North: Fulton, Columbia
12
Merge onto US 54; US 63
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
US 54; US 63
13
Take the exit onto US 63
28 mi
·
30 min
·
US 63
Toward US 63 North: Columbia
14
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.
15
Continue on US 63 Conn
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
US 63 Conn
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
Use the left lane.
17
Merge onto I 70; US 40
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
18
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
19
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
20
Continue on I 70; US 40
54 mi
·
58 min
·
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
21
Continue on I 70; US 40
52 mi
·
56 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
22
Continue on I 70
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
23
Continue on I 70
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 70
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
25
Continue on I 70
6.8 mi
·
9 min
·
George Brett Super Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 670; I 70 Alt
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
I 670; I 70 Alt
Exit 2L
Toward I 670 West, I 70 Alternate, I 35 South: Topeka, Wichita
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 2P
Toward 13th Street, Downtown
Use the slight right lane.
28
Continue on East 13th Street
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
East 13th Street
29
Turn right onto Oak Street
454 ft
·
13 sec
·
Oak Street
30
Arrive at destination
Oak Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour and 58 minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. To maximize your comfort, consider departing in the morning to allow ample time for the drive and any brief stops. Plan for your one recommended stop around the halfway point or when you feel the need to refuel or stretch. With a fuel cost estimated at $39 for the 251.3 miles, budgeting for gas is straightforward. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 106.5-mile stretch on US 63, to ensure you have enough to reach your next planned stop.
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 125.6 miles from Licking, MO, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.5 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 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.6 miles or 2h 39m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kansas City, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Licking, 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 Licking, MO
This is one driving day of about 251.3 miles and 4h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Licking, 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 US 63 for about 106.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 125.6 mi from Licking, MO · 2h 39m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
126 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 125.6 miles from Licking, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 63 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106.5 miles.
Arriving in Kansas City, MO
The final approach into Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.29 one way
$78.58 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
88 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $43.14 | $86.27 |
| premium | $4.89 | $48.36 | $96.72 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $55.48 | $110.97 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 75.4 | 0 | $26.39 | $12.06 |
| Efficient EV | 62.8 | 0 | $21.99 | $10.05 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 100.5 | 1 | $35.18 | $16.08 |
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 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.
Destination
Kansas City, MO
Night in Kansas City on Tuesday
Local time
9:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
55°F
Quincy, IL
126 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
30 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 58m 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 Licking, MO to Kansas City, MO covers 251.3 miles and takes about 4h 58m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 63, U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 125.6 miles from Licking, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.29 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 15 significant decision points across 251.3 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 0.3 miles (US 63): Lane positioning matters here; at 123.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Licking, MO and Kansas City, MO, road signs point toward Columbia, Mo Pp: Kansas City and Saint Louis.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Kansas City, MO
More trips to Kansas City, MO
Explore more options from Licking, MO or browse trips ending in Kansas City, MO.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MO road trips.
Explore maps for Licking, MO or Kansas City, MO on MapSof.net.