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

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 32m

Distance

77.7 mi

125 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 21 min
4 AM
1h 25m ★
6 AM
1h 32m
8 AM
1h 46m
10 AM
1h 37m
12 PM
1h 36m
3 PM
1h 38m
5 PM
1h 45m
8 PM
1h 28m

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 Jackson and Cass counties in Missouri, United States

Lee's Summit, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Hamilton, MO, MO

Hamilton, MO

Valeria Boltneva

Trip Overview

This 77.7-mile drive from Lee's Summit, MO, to Hamilton, MO, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 32 minutes, making it an ideal day trip. The route primarily utilizes the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway and I-435, with a small portion on Blue Parkway, offering a high percentage of highway driving at 98%. With an estimated fuel cost of $12, this trip is quite budget-friendly. You'll be traveling within the Midwest region, staying within Missouri for the entire duration. It's a convenient option if you're looking for a quick excursion without needing an overnight stay, allowing for maximum flexibility in your schedule.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

38.9 miles from Lee's Summit, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway 52.6 mi 57m
I 435 11.6 mi 13m
Blue Parkway 7.7 mi 11m
US 50 1.7 mi 1m
I435 N 1.3 mi 1m
US 36 Business 0.8 mi 1m
Southwest 3rd Street 0.6 mi 1m
MO 110 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Chicago-Kansas City Expressway — 52.6 mi, about 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Southwest 3rd Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Southwest 3rd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward US 50 West: Raytown
3

Merge onto US 50

1.7 mi · 1 min · US 50
4

Continue on MO 350

7.7 mi · 11 min · Blue Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 39 sec
Toward I 435 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Merge onto I 435

11 mi · 13 min · I 435
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on I435 N

1.3 mi · 1 min · I435 N
8

Continue on I 435

0.1 mi · 9 sec · I 435
9

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 14 sec
Exit 52B I35 Toward I 35: Kansas City, Des Moines Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 55 sec
Exit I35 N Toward I 35 North, MO 110 East: Des Moines Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto I 35; MO 110

6.3 mi · 7 min · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; MO 110

35 mi · 37 min · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
13

Take the exit onto MO 110

0.2 mi · 33 sec · MO 110
Exit 54 Toward US 36, MO 110 East, I 35 Business: Cameron, Hamilton
14

Turn right onto US 36; MO 110

12 mi · 13 min · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Toward US 36 Business, MO 13: Hamilton
16

Turn left onto US 36 Business; MO 13

0.8 mi · 1 min · US 36 Business; MO 13
17

Arrive at destination

MO 13

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of about 1 hour and 32 minutes, this drive offers ample flexibility, so consider leaving mid-morning to avoid rush hour traffic on I-435. With no designated stops in the data, you can easily pause for a quick break in Lee's Summit before departing or wait until you reach Hamilton. The fuel cost is estimated at a low $12, so you won't need to worry much about refueling during the 77.7-mile trip. A practical tip for this route is to be aware of potential traffic congestion on I-435, especially during peak commuting hours, as it's a significant portion of your drive.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 38.9 miles from Lee's Summit, MO, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.6 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 17 miles or 23m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 38.9 miles or 48m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 18m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hamilton, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Lee's Summit, MO

This is one driving day of about 77.7 miles and 1h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Lee's Summit, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway for about 52.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Gladstone, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Gladstone, MO

39 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

Independence, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Liberty, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 38.9 miles from Lee's Summit, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Nelle Belle's Diner

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 22.2

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18162161474

Ginger Sue's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Liberty, Missouri

1.6 mi

Nelle Belle's Diner

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 22.2

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18162161474

Ginger Sue's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 27.8

Liberty, Missouri

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+18164077707

Visit website

Wolcano Teppanyaki

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 22.2

North Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18168281200

Visit website

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 16.7

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 27.8

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+18167922655

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 10.2 and 64.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
10.2 mi into trip | ~15m in

Take the exit toward I 435 North

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 435 North
5
10.6 mi into trip | ~16m in | I 435

Merge onto I 435

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
23.5 mi into trip | ~31m in

Take the exit toward I 35: Kansas City, Des Moines

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 52B I35 Toward I 35: Kansas City, Des Moines
9
23.6 mi into trip | ~31m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35 North, MO 110 East: Des Moines

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit I35 N Toward I 35 North, MO 110 East: Des Moines
6
64.8 mi into trip | ~1h 16m in | MO 110

Take the exit onto MO 110 toward US 36, MO 110 East, I 35 Business: Cameron, Hamilton

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

Exit 54 Toward US 36, MO 110 East, I 35 Business: Camer...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.15 one way

$24.30 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 27 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $13.34 $26.67
premium $4.89 $14.95 $29.91
diesel $5.61 $17.16 $34.31

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 27.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 23.3 0 $8.16 $3.73
Efficient EV 19.4 0 $6.80 $3.11
EV Truck/SUV 31.1 0 $10.88 $4.97

Gas CO2

27 kg

EV CO2

9 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 as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Lee's Summit, MO

Late night in Lee's Summit on Sunday

Local time

12:56 AM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Partly Cloudy

S 8 to 14 mph 3% chance Live forecast

Destination

Hamilton, MO

Late night in Hamilton on Sunday

Local time

12:56 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°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

13 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

1h 32m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 77.7-mile route, with 98% of the drive taking place on major roadways like the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway and I-435. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter spans 52.6 miles on the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your journey. While the highway nature means less variety in scenery, it ensures a direct and efficient path between Lee's Summit and Hamilton. This type of drive is ideal for covering ground quickly and minimizing transit time.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 52.6 mi on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway and I 435. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 77.7 miles you will encounter 13 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 10.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.6 miles (I 435): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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 Lee's Summit, MO to Hamilton, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Des Moines along the way.

Des Moines

23.5 mi in | ~31m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 32m. Total distance: 77.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 52.6 miles on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Hamilton, MO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 10.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.6 miles (I 435): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Hamilton, 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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