How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Shell Knob, MO?
The driving distance from Lee's Summit, MO to Shell Knob, MO is about 198.8 miles (319.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 162.6 miles (261.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 50m 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 03h 55m.
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.
Human settlement in Barton County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lee's Summit and Shell Knob.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lee's Summit and Shell Knob.
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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
112 m · 9 sec
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5
Continue straight
16.9 mi · 25 min
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6
Continue on Cantrell Road
629 ft · 19 sec · Cantrell Road
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7
Take the exit straight toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
1138 ft · 28 sec
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8
Merge slight left
113.6 mi · 2 hr 2 min
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9
Continue on George Washington Carver Memorial Highway
1622 ft · 23 sec · George Washington Carver Memorial Highway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 East: Springfield
1230 ft · 35 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
28.2 mi · 30 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward MO 39, MO 265, I 44 Business: Mount Vernon, Aurora
1595 ft · 42 sec
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13
Turn right
10.5 mi · 16 min
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14
Turn right onto South Elliott Avenue
3.4 mi · 6 min · South Elliott Avenue
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15
Continue on State Highway 39
24.1 mi · 33 min · State Highway 39
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16
Turn right onto Farm Road 1230
746 ft · 19 sec · Farm Road 1230
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17
Turn sharp right onto Farm Road 1240
14 m · 2 sec · Farm Road 1240
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Farm Road 1240
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lee's Summit and Shell Knob.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 49 South
Merge slight left
114 mi · 02h 02m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Lee's Summit and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Shell Knob.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lee's Summit to Shell Knob?
The road trip is about 198.8 miles (319.9 km) and usually takes 03h 55m 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?
Lamar Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 99.5 miles from Lee's Summit and 99.3 miles from Shell Knob.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 162.6 miles (261.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.2 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 9:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.43 one way or $52.87 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Lee's Summit and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Shell Knob.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lee's Summit and Shell Knob. Straight-line distance: 162.64 mi (261.75 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 Shell Knob
Census designated place
| Population | 1,379 |
| Coordinates | 36.6322900, -93.6343600 |
| Altitude | 350 |
| Country | United States |
End: Shell Knob (-93.63436, 36.63229)
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 | $26.43 | $52.87 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.81 | $59.63 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.62 | $65.25 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.18 | $74.36 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.