How far is Lee's Summit, MO from California, MO?
The driving distance from Lee's Summit, MO to California, MO is about 104.4 miles (168 km), with a travel time of about 02h 13m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 99.7 miles (160.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 26m 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 13m.
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.
City in Pettis County, Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lee's Summit and California.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lee's Summit and California.
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1
Start on Southwest 3rd Street
529 ft · 15 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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2
Turn right onto Southwest Jefferson Street
2474 ft · 50 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward the route
77 m · 5 sec
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4
Exit the roundabout
597 ft · 15 sec
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5
Take the exit left toward US 50 East, MO 291 North: Sedalia
6.6 mi · 8 min
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6
Continue straight
94.1 mi · 1 hr 59 min
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7
Turn left
3 mi · 5 min
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Buchanan Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lee's Summit and California.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 50 East
Continue straight
94.1 mi · 01h 59m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Lee's Summit and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near California.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lee's Summit to California?
The road trip is about 104.4 miles (168 km) and usually takes 02h 13m 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?
La Monte is a useful midpoint, sitting about 52.1 miles from Lee's Summit and 52.3 miles from California.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 99.7 miles (160.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.7 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 2:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.91 one way or $27.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms around Lee's Summit and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near California.
Stop Ideas Near La Monte
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 La Monte.
Sedalia
Warrensburg
Lee's Summit
Independence
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lee's Summit and California. Straight-line distance: 99.74 mi (160.52 km).
#1 Lee's Summit
The most populous city in Jackson County, Missouri.
| Population | 101,467 |
| Coordinates | 38.9108400, -94.3821700 |
| Altitude | 316 |
| Country | United States |
#2 California
Town in Missouri
| Population | 4,403 |
| Coordinates | 38.6275300, -92.5665800 |
| Altitude | 272 |
| Country | United States |
End: California (-92.56658, 38.62753)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 168 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.91 | $27.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.69 | $31.39 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.17 | $34.35 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.57 | $39.14 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.