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Trip from Licking, MO to Kansas City, MO

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

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

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
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.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Licking, MO, MO

Licking, MO

Agung Pratama

city in Missouri, United States, that is one of two county seats of Jackson County and the largest city in Missouri

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 .

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 55 miles or 1h 12m 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 55 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.

capital city of Missouri, United States and county seat of Cole County

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jefferson City, MO

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

Waynesville, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbia, MO

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 check

Top up before US 63 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106.5 miles.

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

Pokesan - Poke Bowls, Dumplings & More

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 251.3

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18167016120

Visit website

Thailand Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Blue Springs, Missouri

0.5 mi

Dott Boss

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kansas City, Missouri

0.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 251.3

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Pokesan - Poke Bowls, Dumplings & More

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 251.3

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18167016120

Visit website

Thailand Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 233.3

Blue Springs, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+18162293292

Visit website

Dott Boss

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 251.3

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+18162838000

Visit website

Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 125.6

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: 3–8 pm

+15732346277

Visit website

Black Garlic Restaurant & Rum Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 251.3

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 5–9 pm

+18162146939

Visit website

Chef Tito´s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 251.3

North Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 4–9 pm

+18168414700

Visit website

TAILLEUR RESTAURANT

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $50 to $10 mile 251.3

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 5–9 pm

+18164427042

Visit website

Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 251.3

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18164210002

Visit website

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 251.3

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 125.6

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 125.6

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 35.9

Rolla, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 125.6

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.1 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 125.6

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 125.6

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 35.9

Rolla, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 125.6

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Money Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 251.3

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 9:30 am–4 pm

+18168812683

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 250.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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

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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Licking, MO

Night in Licking on Saturday

Local time

9:47 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Kansas City, MO

Night in Kansas City on Saturday

Local time

9:47 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°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

21 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 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.

What kind of drive is this?

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.

43% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.5 mi on US 63.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

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.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

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.

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

About the Cities

Arriving in Kansas City, MO

Full guide →

Kansas City is a major Midwestern metropolitan area that spreads across the border of Missouri and Kansas. It is a city that tends to hide itself from tourists. Reputed to have more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world except for Rome, it can be a beautiful city, too. It is unique in that it is split down the middle by the state line of Kansas and 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 4h 58m. Total distance: 251.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 106.5 miles on US 63. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Kansas City, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

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.

Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Kansas City, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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