How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Thayer, MO?
The driving distance from Lee's Summit, MO to Thayer, MO is about 284.1 miles (457.2 km), with a travel time of about 05h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 226.6 miles (364.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 25m 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 05h 42m.
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.
City in Greene County, Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lee's Summit and Thayer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lee's Summit and Thayer.
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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
2.8 mi · 3 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward MO 7 South: Clinton
924 ft · 20 sec
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10
Turn slight left onto MO 7 South: Clinton
55.5 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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11
Continue straight
68 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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12
Take the exit slight left toward I 44 East: Rolla, Saint Louis
954 ft · 23 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto Payne Stewart Highway
4.3 mi · 5 min · Payne Stewart Highway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 South: Branson
2343 ft · 50 sec
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15
Merge slight left onto Schoolcraft Freeway
8.3 mi · 10 min · Schoolcraft Freeway
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16
Take the exit slight right toward US 60 East: Cabool
1228 ft · 53 sec
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17
Merge slight left
82.2 mi · 1 hr 36 min
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18
Keep slight right to continue on US 63 South: West Plains, Thayer
43.8 mi · 55 min
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19
Take the exit slight right
63 m · 7 sec
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20
Turn straight onto West Walnut Street
788 ft · 24 sec · West Walnut Street
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21
Turn right onto Front Street
133 m · 19 sec · Front Street
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22
Turn sharp right
23 m · 3 sec
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lee's Summit and Thayer.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
US 60 East
Merge slight left
82.2 mi · 01h 36m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Lee's Summit and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms near Thayer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lee's Summit to Thayer?
The road trip is about 284.1 miles (457.2 km) and usually takes 05h 42m 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?
Springfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 142 miles from Lee's Summit and 142 miles from Thayer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 226.6 miles (364.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 57.5 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 5:34 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.82 one way or $75.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 89.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Lee's Summit and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms near Thayer.
Stop Ideas Near Springfield
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Historic City Hall
Willard City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Springfield.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lee's Summit and Thayer. Straight-line distance: 226.57 mi (364.63 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 |
End: Thayer (-91.5382, 36.52451)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 457 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $37.82 | $75.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $42.66 | $85.32 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $46.68 | $93.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $53.20 | $106.40 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.