Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

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

Pin this trip

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

Drive Time

4h 32m

Distance

211.7 mi

341 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 19m ★
6 AM
4h 32m
8 AM
4h 59m
10 AM
4h 42m
12 PM
4h 39m
3 PM
4h 43m
5 PM
4h 58m
8 PM
4h 24m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Sullivan, MO, MO

Sullivan, MO

Chris Duan

city in Jackson and Cass counties in Missouri, United States

Lee's Summit, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 206.9-mile journey from Sullivan, MO, to Lee's Summit, MO, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 3 hours and 44 minutes. You'll be navigating primarily local roads, with a 0% highway share, making it a more intimate drive through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $31, this route is quite budget-friendly. The drive is characterized by frequent turns, suggesting a route that winds through towns and countryside rather than a direct, high-speed path. It's a straightforward drive for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing to break it up.

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

105.8 miles from Sullivan, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 18m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 50 188.5 mi 3h 49m
MO 185 15.6 mi 23m
Elmont Road 2.7 mi 4m
County Route 605 1.5 mi 5m
Loose Creek Highway 1 mi 2m
County Route 604 0.6 mi 2m
Southwest Jefferson Street 0.5 mi <1m
Wolf Ridge Trail 0.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 50 — 188.5 mi, about 3h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

55 ft · 8 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto West Washington Street

337 ft · 9 sec · West Washington Street
3

At end of road, turn right onto Hughes Ford Road

117 ft · 8 sec · Hughes Ford Road
4

Turn left onto West Main Street

376 ft · 12 sec · West Main Street
5

Turn right onto Elmont Road

2.7 mi · 4 min · Elmont Road
6

Turn right onto MO 185

16 mi · 23 min · MO 185
7

Turn left onto US 50

45 mi · 50 min · US 50
8

Continue on MO U

0.3 mi · 38 sec · MO U
9

Turn right onto County Route 605

1.5 mi · 5 min · County Route 605
10

Turn right onto County Route 604

0.6 mi · 2 min · County Route 604
11

Continue on Loose Creek Highway

1.0 mi · 2 min · Loose Creek Highway
12

Turn left onto Wolf Ridge Trail

0.4 mi · 1 min · Wolf Ridge Trail
13

Turn right onto US 50

44 mi · 52 min · US 50
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Continue on US 50

100 mi · 2 hr 6 min · US 50
Use the straight / right lanes.
15

Take the exit onto MO 291

0.1 mi · 18 sec · MO 291
Toward MO 291 South: Jefferson Street, Harrisonville
16

Keep slight right at fork

472 ft · 12 sec
17

Enter roundabout onto Southwest Jefferson Street

102 ft · 2 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
18

Continue on Southwest Jefferson Street

0.5 mi · 53 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
19

Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

0.1 mi · 12 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Use the left lane.
20

Arrive at destination

Southwest 3rd Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour, 44-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single day of travel. Start your journey in Sullivan, MO, and plan for approximately one stop to break up the drive if needed. With a fuel cost of around $31, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially since the route has a turn-heavy profile and no significant highway stretches where gas stations are consistently available. The main roads you'll be using include West Washington Street, Hughes Ford Road, and West Main Street, so familiarize yourself with these before you depart to ensure a smoother navigation experience.

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 105.8 miles from Sullivan, MO, or about 2h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 188.5 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 47 miles or 1h in

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

Halfway reset

Around 105.8 miles or 2h 18m 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 43m

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 Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, MO

This is one driving day of about 211.7 miles and 4h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Sullivan, 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 188.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and county seat of Clay County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Liberty, MO

106 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

New Haven, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

California, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 105.8 miles from Sullivan, 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 188.5 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.

Electrify America Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Sullivan, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Sullivan, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15738608880

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Jefferson City, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Sullivan, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Sullivan, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Sedalia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18004891588

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Jefferson City, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+33172676914

Charge Pro Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Halfway reset 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Jefferson City, Missouri

+18888074522

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 211.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Hughes Ford Road

At end of road, turn right onto Hughes Ford Road

Navigation decision point

5
67.1 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in | US 50

Turn right onto US 50

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
5
210.8 mi into trip | ~4h 30m 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
211 mi into trip | ~4h 30m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

6
211.1 mi into trip | ~4h 31m in | Southwest Jefferson Street

Enter roundabout onto Southwest Jefferson Street

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.10 one way

$66.19 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 74 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $36.34 $72.68
premium $4.89 $40.74 $81.48
diesel $5.61 $46.74 $93.48

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 74.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 63.5 0 $22.23 $10.16
Efficient EV 52.9 0 $18.52 $8.47
EV Truck/SUV 84.7 1 $29.64 $13.55

Gas CO2

74 kg

EV CO2

25 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 17, 2026

Origin

Sullivan, MO

Late night in Sullivan on Tuesday

Local time

3:56 AM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lee's Summit, MO

Late night in Lee's Summit on Tuesday

Local time

3:56 AM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Partly Cloudy

S 8 to 14 mph 3% chance Live forecast

68°F

Liberty, MO

106 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

12 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 32m 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?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, as indicated by its 0% highway share. You won't find long stretches of uninterrupted highway; instead, be prepared for a more engaged driving experience with frequent directional changes. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but the 'turn-heavy' profile suggests a constant need for attention to navigation. This drive will feel like you're weaving through communities and rural landscapes, offering a more grounded perspective of the Midwest as you travel.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 188.5 mi on US 50.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 50 and MO 185. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Hughes Ford Road.

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 4h 32m drive. You will face about 14 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Hughes Ford Road): Navigation decision point; at 67.1 miles (US 50): Lane positioning matters here; at 210.8 miles (MO 291): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Starting in Sullivan, MO

Full guide →

St. Louis Area is the region around St. Louis, Missouri. It borders St. Louis Metro East (Illinois) along the Mississippi River. Within Missouri, it borders Southeast Missouri, Central Missouri, and Northeast 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 32m. Total distance: 211.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 188.5 miles on US 50. 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 0.1 miles (Hughes Ford Road): Navigation decision point; at 67.1 miles (US 50): Lane positioning matters here; at 210.8 miles (MO 291): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Lee's Summit, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Lee's Summit, MO

Malden, MO 371.2 mi · 7h 37m Cape Girardeau, MO 345.3 mi · 6h 35m Bismarck, MO 265.2 mi · 5h 53m Arnold, MO 248.6 mi · 4h 49m

More from Sullivan, MO

Kansas City, MO 241.8 mi · 4h 48m Joplin, MO 218.4 mi · 4h 6m Castle Point, MO 72.1 mi · 1h 33m St. Louis, MO 67.3 mi · 1h 20m O'Fallon, MO 62.1 mi · 1h 26m Chesterfield, MO 51.5 mi · 1h 9m

More trips to Lee's Summit, MO

Steele, MO 434.4 mi Caruthersville, MO 426.2 mi Bethany, MO 367.9 mi Park Hills, MO 295.8 mi Crystal City, MO 265 mi St. Louis, MO 245.1 mi
Escape planner: Sullivan, MO Scenic drives in MO

Explore more options from Sullivan, MO or browse trips ending in Lee's Summit, MO.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MO road trips.