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

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

Drive Time

4h 36m

Distance

238.8 mi

384 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 23m ★
6 AM
4h 37m
8 AM
5h 4m
10 AM
4h 46m
12 PM
4h 43m
3 PM
4h 47m
5 PM
5h 2m
8 PM
4h 29m

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

city in Jackson and Cass counties in Missouri, United States

Lee's Summit, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Maplewood, MO, MO

Maplewood, MO

Mikhail Nilov

Trip Overview

Lee's Summit, MO to Maplewood, MO is 238.8 miles and takes about 4h 36m via Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Missouri, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. The route primarily uses surface roads, so expect a more local feel than a pure interstate experience. With only one recommended stop and a manageable duration, this is a straightforward drive suitable for a single day.

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

119.4 miles from Lee's Summit, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 12m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 135.3 mi 2h 34m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway 54.4 mi 58m
Avenue of the Saints 27.7 mi 33m
I 470 7 mi 8m
Daniel Boone Expressway 4.9 mi 6m
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 — 135.3 mi, about 2h 34m

Traffic on I-70

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 17 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

4 PM

~2,952 veh/hr typical · worst 3,444

Quietest

1 AM

~261 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

11.3×

busier at peak than in the quiet hours

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Southwest 3rd Street

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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
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
8

Continue on I 70

53 mi · 56 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
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

81 mi · 1 hr 35 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
15

Take the exit onto US 40

0.3 mi · 33 sec · US 40
Exit 210A Toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Chesterfield
16

Merge onto I 64; US 40; US 61

28 mi · 33 min · Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
17

Continue on I 64; US 40

4.9 mi · 6 min · Daniel Boone Expressway
Use the straight lane.
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Exit 33A Toward Big Bend Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
19

Keep slight right at fork

192 ft · 4 sec
Toward Big Bend Boulevard Use the left / right lanes.
20

Turn slight right onto South Big Bend Boulevard

1.1 mi · 2 min · South Big Bend Boulevard
21

Turn right onto MO 100

430 ft · 12 sec · Manchester Road
22

Arrive at destination

MO 100

Trip Plan

Given the 4h 36m estimated drive time, departing in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and arrive with time to spare. Plan for your single recommended stop to break up the drive, especially since you'll be on surface roads for much of the trip. The $42 fuel cost is an estimate, so keep an eye on your gauge, particularly before heading out from Lee's Summit. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time slightly based on traffic conditions.

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 119.4 miles from Lee's Summit, MO, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 135.3 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 53 miles or 1h 1m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 119.4 miles or 2h 12m 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 Maplewood, 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 238.8 miles and 4h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 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 135.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Owensville, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Owensville, MO

119 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

Marshall, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbia, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 119.4 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 Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 135.3 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.

Wright City Rest Area (Eastbound)

0 mi from route

Concordia Rest Area Eastbound

0 mi from route

Truck Parking

0 mi from route

Rest Area

0 mi from route

Wright City Rest Area (Westbound)

0.1 mi from route

TA

0.1 mi from route

Petro Stopping Centers

0.1 mi from route

TA

0.1 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Truck Parking

0.1 mi from route

Concordia Rest Area Westbound

0.1 mi from route

Boonville Rest Area Eastbound

0.1 mi from route

Boonville Rest Area Westbound

0.1 mi from route

Betty's Truck Stop

0.1 mi from route

Midway Auto Truck Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Mr. Fuel Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

TA

0.2 mi from route

QuikTrip

0.2 mi from route

West Land Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

Petro Stopping Centers

0.3 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.3 mi from route

Rest Area

0.3 mi from route

Gasper's

0.3 mi from route

Rest Area

1.8 mi from route

Rest Area

1.9 mi from route

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 2.6 and 237.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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
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
6
204.5 mi into trip | ~3h 53m in | US 40

Take the exit onto US 40 toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Chesterfield

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

Exit 210A Toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Ches...
7
237.4 mi into trip | ~4h 33m in

Take the exit toward Big Bend Boulevard

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 33A Toward Big Bend Boulevard
8
237.6 mi into trip | ~4h 33m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Big Bend Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / right lanes. Toward Big Bend Boulevard

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.27 one way

$70.53 round trip

$3.75/gal 25.4 MPG avg 84 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.14 $38.93 $77.86
premium $4.72 $44.34 $88.68
diesel $4.80 $45.09 $90.18

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 83.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 71.6 0 $25.07 $11.46
Efficient EV 59.7 0 $20.90 $9.55
EV Truck/SUV 95.5 1 $33.43 $15.28

Gas CO2

84 kg

EV CO2

28 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 as of Jul 18, 2026

Origin

Lee's Summit, MO

Late night in Lee's Summit on Sunday

Local time

1:38 AM

CDT

Current temp

91°F

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 9 mph 20% chance Live forecast

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 4:25AM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 3:04AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Destination

Maplewood, MO

Late night in Maplewood on Sunday

Local time

1:38 AM

CDT

Current temp

93°F

Mostly Sunny

W 9 mph 8% chance Live forecast

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 4:25AM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 3:04AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

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 36m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park

National Park

Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, a...

7 mi from route ~18 min detour $19 near mile 238.8
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive features 5% highway driving, meaning you'll spend most of your time on surface roads. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 135.3 miles on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. You'll likely notice a significant increase in traffic signals and intersections as you transition from highway cruising to navigating through towns and cities. Expect a more stop-and-go experience for a good portion of the trip.

Only 5% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 135.3 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 238.8 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 2.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 204.5 miles (US 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,039 ft 462 ft

Total Climb

308 ft

Total Descent

838 ft

Highest Point

1,039 ft

Elevation Range

576 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Lee's Summit, MO

Full guide →

Founded 1865

Lee's Summit is a city in Missouri. It is the hometown of famous outlaw Cole Younger of the James-Younger Gang, and of Grammy Award-winning musician Pat Metheny.

Arriving in Maplewood, MO

Full guide →

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 4h 36m. Total distance: 238.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 135.3 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 32 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

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 Maplewood, MO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 32 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 2.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 204.5 miles (US 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Maplewood, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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