How far is La Plata, MO from Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance from La Plata, MO to Kansas City, MO is about 166.9 miles (268.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 128.2 miles (206.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 21m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 40m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Human settlement in Livingston County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Plata and Kansas City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Plata and Kansas City.
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1
Start on East Moore Street
6 m · 6 sec · East Moore Street
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2
Turn left onto South Gex Street
844 ft · 42 sec · South Gex Street
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3
Turn left onto East Clark Street
1.1 km · 1 min · East Clark Street
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4
Turn right
18.9 mi · 22 min
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5
Take the exit right toward US 36 West, MO 110 West: Saint Joseph
875 ft · 12 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
95.6 mi · 1 hr 51 min · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
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7
Turn left onto I 35 South, MO 110 West: Kansas City
50.5 mi · 57 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 70 East, US 40 East, US 71 South: Saint Louis, Joplin
1742 ft · 33 sec
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
745 ft · 20 sec
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10
Turn slight right onto East 11th Street
1356 ft · 52 sec · East 11th Street
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11
Turn left onto Oak Street
141 m · 15 sec · Oak Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Oak Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Plata and Kansas City.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
Merge slight left onto Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
95.6 mi · 01h 51m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving La Plata and Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Kansas City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Plata to Kansas City?
The road trip is about 166.9 miles (268.6 km) and usually takes 02h 40m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Utica is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.3 miles from La Plata and 83.5 miles from Kansas City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 128.2 miles (206.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 38.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.21 one way or $44.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around La Plata and Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Kansas City.
Stop Ideas Near Utica
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 Utica.
Independence
La Plata
Warrensburg
Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Plata and Kansas City. Straight-line distance: 128.18 mi (206.28 km).
#1 La Plata
City in Macon County, Missouri
| Population | 1,303 |
| Coordinates | 40.0233700, -92.4915800 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: Oak Street (-94.578571, 39.099732)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 269 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.21 | $44.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.05 | $50.10 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.41 | $54.82 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.24 | $62.48 |
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 · Apr 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.