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Trip from Lake Ozark, MO to Lee's Summit, MO

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 53m

Distance

134.1 mi

216 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 42m ★
6 AM
2h 53m
8 AM
3h 15m
10 AM
3h 1m
12 PM
2h 59m
3 PM
3h 2m
5 PM
3h 14m
8 PM
2h 46m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Camden and Miller counties in Missouri, United States

Lake Ozark, MO

Wikimedia Commons

city in Jackson and Cass counties in Missouri, United States

Lee's Summit, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 134.1-mile drive from Lake Ozark, MO, to Lee's Summit, MO, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in under 3 hours. With a fuel cost estimated at $21, it's an economical option for a day trip, allowing you to focus on your destination rather than a long journey. The route is primarily highway-focused, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently. You'll primarily be on US 50, with some sections of West 4th Street and MO 5 integrated into the path. This drive is well-suited for a single day, with no need to break it up for an overnight stay.

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

67 miles from Lake Ozark, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 29m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 50 91.2 mi 1h 54m
West 4th Street 15 mi 19m
MO 5 14.5 mi 18m
US 54 7.3 mi 7m
US 54 Bus 2.4 mi 3m
Bagnell Dam Boulevard 1.6 mi 4m
South Grand Avenue 0.7 mi 1m
Southwest Jefferson Street 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 50 — 91.2 mi, about 1h 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 54 Business

1.6 mi · 4 min · Bagnell Dam Boulevard
2

Continue on Willmore Lane

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Willmore Lane
3

Enter roundabout

229 ft · 4 sec
4

Continue

0.1 mi · 18 sec
5

Merge onto US 54

7.3 mi · 7 min · US 54
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward US 54 Business, MO 52: Eldon, Tuscumbia
7

Turn left onto US 54 Bus; MO 52

2.4 mi · 3 min · US 54 Bus; MO 52
8

Turn left onto West 17th Street

0.1 mi · 14 sec · West 17th Street
9

Continue on South Grand Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Grand Avenue
10

Turn left onto MO 52

15 mi · 19 min · West 4th Street
11

Continue on MO 5

14 mi · 18 min · MO 5
12

Turn left onto US 50; MO 5

16 mi · 21 min · US 50; MO 5
13

Continue on US 50; MO 135

75 mi · 1 hr 32 min · US 50; MO 135
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit onto MO 291

0.1 mi · 18 sec · MO 291
Toward MO 291 South: Jefferson Street, Harrisonville
15

Keep slight right at fork

472 ft · 12 sec
16

Enter roundabout onto Southwest Jefferson Street

102 ft · 2 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
17

Continue on Southwest Jefferson Street

0.5 mi · 53 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
18

Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

0.1 mi · 12 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Use the left lane.
19

Arrive at destination

Southwest 3rd Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 53 minutes, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will allow you to arrive with ample daylight. The drive is manageable in one go, but if you prefer to break it up, consider a brief stop around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 91.2-mile stretch on US 50, as services might be less frequent than on interstates. With a fuel cost of around $21, planning for one fuel stop should be sufficient for this 134.1-mile journey.

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 67 miles from Lake Ozark, MO, or about 1h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91.2 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 30 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 67 miles or 1h 29m 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 22m

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 Lake Ozark, 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 Lake Ozark, MO

This is one driving day of about 134.1 miles and 2h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Lake Ozark, 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 50 for about 91.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Tipton, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Tipton, MO

67 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

Tipton, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Sedalia, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67 miles from Lake Ozark, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 50 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 91.2 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Tesla Destination Charger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Lake Ozark, Missouri

+15733654550

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Sedalia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18004891588

Visit website

EVre Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour

Osage Beach, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 133.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
1.7 mi into trip | ~4m in

Enter roundabout

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

5
9.3 mi into trip | ~13m in

Take the exit toward US 54 Business, MO 52: Eldon, Tuscumbia

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

Toward US 54 Business, MO 52: Eldon, Tuscumbia
5
133.3 mi into trip | ~2h 51m in | MO 291

Take the exit onto MO 291 toward MO 291 South: Jefferson Street, Harrisonville

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

Toward MO 291 South: Jefferson Street, Harrison...
5
133.4 mi into trip | ~2h 51m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

6
133.5 mi into trip | ~2h 52m in | Southwest Jefferson Street

Enter roundabout onto Southwest Jefferson Street

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.97 one way

$41.93 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $23.02 $46.04
premium $4.89 $25.81 $51.61
diesel $5.61 $29.61 $59.22

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 46.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 40.2 0 $14.08 $6.44
Efficient EV 33.5 0 $11.73 $5.36
EV Truck/SUV 53.6 0 $18.77 $8.58

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (66% 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 as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Lake Ozark, MO

Morning in Lake Ozark on Tuesday

Local time

7:10 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lee's Summit, MO

Morning in Lee's Summit on Tuesday

Local time

7:10 AM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

67°F

Tipton, MO

67 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

13 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 53m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this route, with 86% of the drive taking place on faster roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 91.2 miles, primarily on US 50, which means you can settle in for a good portion of the drive. While the exact scenery isn't detailed, this type of highway travel generally offers consistent speeds and a predictable driving rhythm. The integration of US 50, West 4th Street, and MO 5 suggests a mix of well-maintained state highways and potentially some local road segments as you approach your destination.

86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 91.2 mi on US 50.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 50 and West 4th Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 53m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 9.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.3 miles (MO 291): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Lake Ozark, MO to Lee's Summit, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Tuscumbia along the way.

Tuscumbia

9.3 mi in | ~13m

About the Cities

Starting in Lake Ozark, MO

Full guide →

Lake Ozark is in Missouri.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 53m. Total distance: 134.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (86%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 91.2 miles on US 50. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 9.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.3 miles (MO 291): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Lee's Summit, MO before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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