How far is Kansas City, MO from Memphis, MO?
The driving distance from Kansas City, MO to Memphis, MO is about 199 miles (320.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 158.6 miles (255.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 43m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 04h 21m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Village in the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Patchy Frost then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kansas City and Memphis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kansas City and Memphis.
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1
Start on Oak Street
6 m · 5 sec · Oak Street
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2
Turn right onto East 12th Street
2100 ft · 1 min · East 12th Street
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3
Turn left onto Harrison Street
133 m · 16 sec · Harrison Street
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4
Turn left onto East 11th Street
64 m · 5 sec · East 11th Street
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5
Take the ramp right toward I 70 West, US 24 West, US 40 West, I 29 North, I 35 North, US 71 North
139 m · 11 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto George Brett Super Highway
1157 ft · 22 sec · George Brett Super Highway
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 29 North, I 35 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph, Des Moines
4.6 mi · 6 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 35 North: Des Moines
11.2 mi · 13 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
72.6 mi · 1 hr 18 min · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right
1036 ft · 27 sec
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11
Turn right onto Miller Street
1127 ft · 19 sec · Miller Street
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12
Continue on East 310th Street
27.5 mi · 41 min · East 310th Street
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13
Turn left
57.3 mi · 1 hr 25 min
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14
At the end of the road, turn left
2.1 mi · 3 min
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15
Turn right onto Washington Street
10.8 mi · 16 min · Washington Street
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16
Continue on East Prime Street
11.1 mi · 17 min · East Prime Street
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17
Turn slight left onto South Clay Street
2008 ft · 36 sec · South Clay Street
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18
Turn right onto West Monroe Street
82 m · 5 sec · West Monroe Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Monroe Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kansas City and Memphis.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
Keep slight left to continue on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
72.6 mi · 01h 18m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Kansas City and Patchy Frost then Sunny near Memphis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kansas City to Memphis?
The road trip is about 199 miles (320.2 km) and usually takes 04h 21m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mount Moriah is a useful midpoint, sitting about 99.4 miles from Kansas City and 99.5 miles from Memphis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 158.6 miles (255.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 40.4 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:16 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.47 one way or $52.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Kansas City and Patchy Frost then Sunny near Memphis.
Stop Ideas Near Mount Moriah
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mount Moriah.
Osceola
Creston
La Plata
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kansas City and Memphis. Straight-line distance: 158.56 mi (255.18 km).
#1 Kansas City
The third most populous city in Missouri and the center of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
| Population | 495,327 |
| Coordinates | 39.0997300, -94.5785700 |
| Altitude | 274 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Memphis
City in Scotland County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 1,815 |
| Coordinates | 40.4578100, -92.1712900 |
| Altitude | 244 |
| Country | United States |
End: Memphis (-92.17129, 40.45781)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 320 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.47 | $52.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.86 | $59.71 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.67 | $65.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.23 | $74.47 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Missouri · May 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.