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Trip from Monett, MO to Kansas City, 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

3h 30m

Distance

177.4 mi

286 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 18m ★
6 AM
3h 30m
8 AM
3h 55m
10 AM
3h 39m
12 PM
3h 36m
3 PM
3h 40m
5 PM
3h 54m
8 PM
3h 23m

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 Monett, MO, MO

Monett, MO

Tolga deniz Aran

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 177.8-mile journey from Monett, MO to Kansas City, MO is easily manageable as a single-day trip, estimated to take around 2 hours and 51 minutes. With a fuel cost of approximately $27, it's an economical option for exploring within the Midwest. The route primarily utilizes local roads like North Central Avenue, High Street, and Blackberry Road, suggesting a more connected, in-town feel rather than an open highway experience. Given its relatively short duration and the nature of the drive, you'll likely find yourself navigating through various local communities as you make your way north. This drive is ideal for those who prefer a less hurried pace and a more grounded connection to the landscape.

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

88.7 miles from Monett, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Purple Heart Trail 127.6 mi 2h 21m
North Central Avenue 17.4 mi 30m
Trooper Charles P. Corbin Memorial Highway 10.5 mi 11m
George Washington Carver Memorial Highway 10.3 mi 11m
Congressman Gene Taylor Highway 7.5 mi 8m
Blackberry Road 2 mi 3m
I 44 Business 0.5 mi 1m
East 11th Street 0.3 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Purple Heart Trail — 127.6 mi, about 2h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Monett, MO and Kansas City, MO.

1

Start on West Cleveland Avenue

93 ft · 9 sec · West Cleveland Avenue
2

Turn left onto MO 37

17 mi · 30 min · North Central Avenue
3

Turn left onto I 44 Business; MO 37

0.3 mi · 26 sec · High Street
4

Continue on I 44 Business; MO 37

2.0 mi · 3 min · Blackberry Road
5

Turn right onto I 44 Business; MO 37

0.5 mi · 1 min · I 44 Business; MO 37
6

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward I 44 West: Joplin
7

Merge onto I 44

7.5 mi · 8 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 44 sec
Exit 18B Toward I 49 North, US 71 North: Carthage, Kansas City
9

Merge onto I 49; US 71

10 mi · 11 min · George Washington Carver Memorial Highway
10

Continue on I 49; US 71

10 mi · 11 min · Trooper Charles P. Corbin Memorial Highway
11

Continue on I 49; US 71

128 mi · 2 hr 21 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 25 sec
Toward 11th Street, Downtown Use the slight right lane.
13

Turn straight onto East 11th Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · East 11th Street
Use the left lane.
14

Turn left onto Oak Street

461 ft · 15 sec · Oak Street
15

Arrive at destination

Oak Street

Trip Plan

With a duration of just under 3 hours, this 177.8-mile trip from Monett to Kansas City is perfectly suited for a single day. You can depart whenever you feel most rested, perhaps mid-morning to avoid early rush hours. Plan for at least one stop to break up the journey and grab a snack or stretch your legs, especially since the drive is characterized by frequent turns. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as local roads can sometimes have fewer services than major highways, though the estimated fuel cost of $27 suggests it won't be a major concern. A practical tip for this route: be mindful of the speed limit changes as you enter and exit different towns along the way.

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 88.7 miles from Monett, MO, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.6 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 39 miles or 56m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 88.7 miles or 1h 51m 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 54m

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 Monett, 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 Monett, MO

This is one driving day of about 177.4 miles and 3h 30m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Monett, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 127.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Nevada, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Nevada, MO

89 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

Carthage, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Nevada, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 88.7 miles from Monett, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 127.6 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.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Pokesan - Poke Bowls, Dumplings & More

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18167016120

Visit website

Vietnam Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

0.7 mi

Dott Boss

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kansas City, Missouri

0.3 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 0min to go 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Pokesan - Poke Bowls, Dumplings & More

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18167016120

Visit website

Vietnam Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18164724888

Visit website

Dott Boss

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+18162838000

Visit website

Asian Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18168943988

Visit website

Romy's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Monett, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14176352100

Visit website

Mazzio’s Pizza & Wings

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Monett, Missouri

Hours: 10:30 am–9:30 pm

+14172355800

Visit website

Sirloin Stockade

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Carthage, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14173581765

Visit website

Olive Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18167630009

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Monett, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Money Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 9:30 am–4 pm

+18168812683

Visit website

Meadowmere Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Grandview, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+18163164888

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 17.4 and 176.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
17.4 mi into trip | ~30m in | I 44 Business; MO 37 / High Street

Turn left onto I 44 Business; MO 37 / High Street

Navigation decision point

4
19.7 mi into trip | ~34m in | I 44 Business; MO 37

Turn right onto I 44 Business; MO 37

Navigation decision point

5
20.2 mi into trip | ~35m in

Take the ramp toward I 44 West: Joplin

Navigation decision point

Toward I 44 West: Joplin
6
28 mi into trip | ~44m in

Take the exit toward I 49 North, US 71 North: Carthage, Kansas City

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

Exit 18B Toward I 49 North, US 71 North: Carthage, Kansa...
7
176.7 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in

Take the exit toward 11th 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. Toward 11th Street, Downtown

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.73 one way

$55.47 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 62 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.45 $60.90
premium $4.89 $34.14 $68.28
diesel $5.61 $39.17 $78.34

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 62.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 53.2 0 $18.63 $8.52
Efficient EV 44.4 0 $15.52 $7.10
EV Truck/SUV 71 0 $24.84 $11.35

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 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

Monett, MO

Late night in Monett on Tuesday

Local time

4:46 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Kansas City, MO

Late night in Kansas City on Tuesday

Local time

4:46 AM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

68°F

Nevada, MO

89 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

3h 30m 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 turn-heavy local drive on this route, with a 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating through towns and communities for the entirety of the 177.8 miles, rather than cruising on high-speed interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile implies frequent intersections and changes in direction. You'll likely experience varied speed limits and a more engaged driving experience as you pass through residential areas and commercial districts. This drive offers a constant sense of progression through populated areas rather than long, distant stretches of open road.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 127.6 mi on Purple Heart Trail.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 17.4 miles in near I 44 Business; MO 37 / High Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 30m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 17.4 miles (I 44 Business; MO 37 / High Street): Navigation decision point; at 19.7 miles (I 44 Business; MO 37): Navigation decision point; at 20.2 miles: Navigation decision point.

About the Cities

Starting in Monett, MO

Full guide →

Monett is in the Ozarks and the Southwest Region of Missouri.

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 3h 30m. Total distance: 177.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 127.6 miles on Purple Heart Trail. 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.

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 17.4 miles (I 44 Business; MO 37 / High Street): Navigation decision point; at 19.7 miles (I 44 Business; MO 37): Navigation decision point; at 20.2 miles: Navigation decision point.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 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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