How far is Monett, MO from Lee's Summit, MO?

Fastest route

The distance between Monett, Missouri, and Lee's Summit, Missouri, is approximately 161 miles (259 kilometers). The fastest route is estimated to take around 2 hours and 29 minutes via I-49. Below are tips and directions for your journey.

Directions

  1. 🚗 Head north on State Hwy 37 N/N Central Ave toward E Bond St.
  2. 🛣️ Continue to follow State Hwy 37 N, then continue onto I-44BUS W/Blackberry Rd.
  3. ➡️ Turn right onto I-44BUS W, then take a left to merge onto I-44 W toward Joplin.
  4. 🛣️ Follow I-49 and take exit 160 to merge onto MO-291 N/Rte 291 N in Harrisonville.
  5. ➡️ Merge onto MO-291 N/Rte 291 N and continue to SW 3rd St in Lee's Summit.
  6. 🚗 Use the middle 2 lanes to continue on SW Jefferson St.
  7. 🛣️ At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit and stay on SW Jefferson St until you reach Lee's Summit, Missouri.

Tips & Suggestions

  • 🛤️ Plan your journey ahead of time to account for potential traffic and road closures.
  • ⛽ Ensure your vehicle is properly fueled before starting your trip.
  • 📱 Use a navigation app to receive real-time traffic updates and alternate routes.
  • 🚓 Obey speed limits and traffic rules for a safe and smooth journey.
  • 🥤 Carry water and snacks for the road to stay refreshed during the trip.

FAQs

Q: How long is the distance between Monett and Lee's Summit? A: The distance is approximately 161 miles (259 kilometers).

Q: What is the estimated travel time? A: The fastest route takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes.

Q: Which route should I take? A: The recommended route is via I-49.

Q: Are there any tips for the journey? A: Plan ahead, stay hydrated, and use navigation apps for real-time updates.

Q: What landmarks should I watch for on the way? A: You'll pass through Harrisonville and follow MO-291 N/Rte 291 N to reach Lee's Summit.

Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
160.19 mi
02h 36m
Flight
139.16 mi
223.95 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Monett.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
139.16 mi
Kilometers
223.95 km
Flight Time
00h 16m

Driving Distance

Road route
160.19 mi
Kilometers
257.8 km
Drive Time
02h 36m

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 36m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Lee's Summit
Sat, Apr 18, 5:05 AM CDT
Return by in Monett
Sat, Apr 18, 7:41 AM CDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Monett
2026-04-18T02:29
Arrive Lee's Summit
Sat, Apr 18, 5:05 AM CDT
Route Timing
02h 36m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
10:36 AM to 12:36 PM CDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
1:18 PM CDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Monett
9:30 PM CDT
Morning start is best

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.

Mid-route stop
Milo
MO

Village in the United States

From Monett
80 mi
01h 18m
To Lee's Summit
80.2 mi
01h 18m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
59°F
Saturday

Showers And Thunderstorms

Starts
Sat, Apr 18 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
15 mph NW
Destination
58°F
Saturday

Showers And Thunderstorms

Starts
Sat, Apr 18 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
14 to 17 mph WNW

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Monett and Lee's Summit.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Monett and Lee's Summit.

  1. 1

    Start on West Cleveland Avenue

    28 m · 10 sec · West Cleveland Avenue

  2. 2

    Turn left onto North Central Avenue

    17.4 mi · 31 min · North Central Avenue

  3. 3

    Turn left onto High Street

    1342 ft · 27 sec · High Street

  4. 4

    Continue on Blackberry Road

    2 mi · 4 min · Blackberry Road

  5. 5

    Turn right

    2816 ft · 1 min

  6. 6

    Take the ramp left toward I 44 West: Joplin

    1331 ft · 33 sec

  7. 7

    Merge slight left onto Congressman Gene Taylor Highway

    7.5 mi · 8 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway

  8. 8

    Take the exit slight right toward I 49 North, US 71 North: Carthage, Kansas City

    2063 ft · 44 sec

  9. 9

    Merge slight left onto George Washington Carver Memorial Highway

    10.3 mi · 11 min · George Washington Carver Memorial Highway

  10. 10

    Continue on Trooper Charles P. Corbin Memorial Highway

    10.5 mi · 11 min · Trooper Charles P. Corbin Memorial Highway

  11. 11

    Continue on Purple Heart Trail

    92.9 mi · 1 hr 40 min · Purple Heart Trail

  12. 12

    Take the exit slight right toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit

    817 ft · 17 sec

  13. 13

    Keep slight right to continue on MO 291 North: Lee's Summit

    74 m · 6 sec

  14. 14

    Merge slight left

    8.3 mi · 12 min

  15. 15

    Turn slight left

    8.5 mi · 12 min

  16. 16

    Continue on Southwest Jefferson Street

    1036 ft · 28 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street

  17. 17

    Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Southwest Jefferson Street

    58 m · 4 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street

  18. 18

    Exit the roundabout onto Southwest Jefferson Street

    2497 ft · 53 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street

  19. 19

    Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street

    529 ft · 13 sec · Southwest 3rd Street

  20. 20

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Monett and Lee's Summit.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Interchange-aware route

The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.

Directions
20 steps
7 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
8
3 merges, 5 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
12.5 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
Purple Heart Trail
92.9 mi · 58%
North Central Avenue
17.4 mi · 11%
Trooper Charles P. Corbin Memorial Highway
10.5 mi · 7%
George Washington Carver Memorial Highway
10.3 mi · 6%
MO 291 North
8.53 mi · 5%
Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
7.49 mi · 5%
Longest Stretch

Purple Heart Trail

Continue on Purple Heart Trail

92.9 mi · 01h 40m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
02h 36m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
05h 12m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+21 mi
139.2 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Milo
01h 18m from Monett
Leave By
1:18 PM CDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Monett and Showers And Thunderstorms near Lee's Summit.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Monett to Lee's Summit?

The road trip is about 160.2 miles (257.8 km) and usually takes 02h 36m 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?

Milo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80 miles from Monett and 80.2 miles from Lee's Summit.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 139.2 miles (224 km), while the road route adds roughly 21 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 1:18 PM CDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.31 one way or $42.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.2 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Monett and Showers And Thunderstorms near Lee's Summit.

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Monett and Lee's Summit. Straight-line distance: 139.16 mi (223.95 km).

Monett

#1 Monett

City in Lawrence County, Missouri, United States

Population9,161
Coordinates36.9289500, -93.9277100
Altitude413
CountryUnited States
Lee's Summit

#2 Lee's Summit

The most populous city in Jackson County, Missouri.

Population101,467
Coordinates38.9108400, -94.3821700
Altitude316
CountryUnited States
Start: West Cleveland Avenue (-93.927707, 36.928822)
End: Southwest 3rd Street (-94.382168, 38.910873)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 258 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)05h 20m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)04h 00m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)03h 12m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)02h 40m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)02h 17m
80 mph (129 km/h)01h 59m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
5.65 gal
21.4 L · about $21.31
Round trip
$42.61
11.3 gal · 42.8 L
Estimated CO2
50.2 kg one way
Round trip: 100.4 kg / 221 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $3.77 $21.31 $42.61
Mid-grade $4.25 $24.03 $48.06
Premium $4.65 $26.30 $52.59
Diesel $5.30 $29.97 $59.94

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 18, 2026

There is no time difference between Monett and Lee's Summit. The current time is 02:29:13.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.