Is there a flight option?

Connecting flights are available from MCI to BHM but often take longer than driving.

How long is the drive?

The drive typically takes 10 hours of active driving time.

What is the best route?

Taking I-49 to I-40 and then I-22 is the most direct path.

No, this route is entirely toll-free.

Is it a scenic drive?

The transition from the Ozarks to the Appalachian foothills is quite scenic.

Lee's Summit

Birmingham

Driving

Lee's Summit to Birmingham

Updated: 31 May 2026

Traveling from Lee's Summit to Birmingham involves a long-haul drive of approximately 650 miles. The most efficient route takes you through Arkansas and into Mississippi before entering Alabama via I-22. Expect a total travel time of roughly 10 hours of pure driving. This route traverses diverse landscapes from the Missouri plains to the rolling hills of Alabama. It is a common path for those relocating or visiting family in the Deep South.

Total Distance: 1,050 km driving distance; 880 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via I-22 is the fastest route, taking about 10 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the only practical and cost-effective way to make this trip.

Compare Lee's Summit to Birmingham Routes

Driving

Direct

Duration

10 hours

Avg Price

$90-$130 in fuel

Operator

Personal Vehicle

Route

I-49 South to I-40 East, then I-22 East into Birmingham.

Stop in Tupelo, Mississippi for a quick break and historical sightseeing.

Travel Tips

Route Planning
Use I-22 as it is a modern, well-maintained interstate connecting Memphis to Birmingham.
Rest Stops
Plan stops in Memphis to break up the long drive into two manageable segments.
Dining
Try local BBQ in Mississippi; it is a regional specialty worth the stop.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your tires and fluids are checked before departing on this long drive.
Navigation
Download offline maps as cellular service can be spotty in rural Mississippi.