How far is Sparta, MO from Lee's Summit, MO?
The driving distance from Sparta, MO to Lee's Summit, MO is about 174.3 miles (280.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 149.8 miles (241 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 41m 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 50m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in St.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sparta and Lee's Summit.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sparta and Lee's Summit.
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1
Start on Main Street
6.9 mi · 10 min · Main Street
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2
Continue on West South Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · West South Street
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3
Take the ramp right toward US 65 North: Springfield
1281 ft · 31 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto American Legion Memorial Highway
5.8 mi · 7 min · American Legion Memorial Highway
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5
Continue on Schoolcraft Freeway
10.7 mi · 13 min · Schoolcraft Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 West: Joplin
1.3 km · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left onto Payne Stewart Highway
4.1 mi · 5 min · Payne Stewart Highway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward MO 13: Bolivar
596 ft · 15 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on MO 13: Bolivar
46 m · 4 sec
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on MO 13 North: Bolivar
64 m · 7 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto North Kansas Expressway
87.2 mi · 1 hr 43 min · North Kansas Expressway
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12
Continue straight
35.9 mi · 39 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City
3.3 mi · 4 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
817 ft · 17 sec
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15
Keep slight right to continue on MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
74 m · 6 sec
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16
Merge slight left
8.3 mi · 12 min
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17
Turn slight left
8.5 mi · 12 min
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18
Continue on Southwest Jefferson Street
1036 ft · 28 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
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19
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Southwest Jefferson Street
58 m · 4 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
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20
Exit the roundabout onto Southwest Jefferson Street
2497 ft · 53 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
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21
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
529 ft · 13 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sparta and Lee's Summit.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
North Kansas Expressway
Merge slight left onto North Kansas Expressway
87.2 mi · 01h 43m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Sparta and Chance 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 Sparta to Lee's Summit?
The road trip is about 174.3 miles (280.5 km) and usually takes 02h 50m 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?
Vista is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.1 miles from Sparta and 87.1 miles from Lee's Summit.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 149.8 miles (241 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.19 one way or $46.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Sparta and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Lee's Summit.
Stop Ideas Near Vista
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 Vista.
Warrensburg
Sedalia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sparta and Lee's Summit. Straight-line distance: 149.76 mi (241.02 km).
#1 Sparta
City in Christian County, Missouri
| Population | 1,792 |
| Coordinates | 37.0011600, -93.0815700 |
| Altitude | 428 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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: Southwest 3rd Street (-94.382168, 38.910873)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 280 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.19 | $46.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.16 | $52.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.62 | $57.24 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.62 | $65.24 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.