Lee’s Summit Transportation Options

Lee’s Summit Transportation Options

Lee’s Summit, MO, is a growing suburban community with various transportation options that cater to commuters, residents, and those traveling within the Kansas City metro area. While personal vehicles remain the dominant mode of transport, Lee’s Summit also offers public transportation, ridesharing, and other alternatives. Here’s an overview of the transportation options in Lee’s Summit – feel free to use the table of contents below to jump to what most interests you!

Personal Vehicles

• Most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting to work, school, and daily errands.
• Lee’s Summit is well-connected via Interstate 470, US-50 Highway, and Missouri Route 291, providing easy access to downtown Kansas City and other neighboring cities.
• Parking is generally available at homes, shopping centers, and public places. Most businesses offer free parking.

Public Transportation

RideKC (Kansas City Area Transportation Authority – KCATA):

• Bus Service: RideKC provides bus services to Lee’s Summit, connecting it to Kansas City and other parts of the metro area. Key routes include:
  • Route 550 (Lee’s Summit Express): A commuter bus service between downtown Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, primarily catering to commuters.
  • Route 340 TMC Lakewood

• Bus Stops: There are stops around central Lee’s Summit, especially near major commercial areas and downtown.
  • Website for Information: RideKC
  • How to Use: The RideKC website or mobile app allows you to check schedules, plan trips, and purchase passes.

Amtrak

• Lee’s Summit Amtrak Station: Located at 217 SW Main St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063, the Amtrak station in downtown Lee’s Summit provides rail service via the Missouri River Runner line. This line connects Lee’s Summit with Kansas City, St. Louis, and other towns along the route.
• Website for Tickets and Other Information: Amtrak 

Long-Distance Travel

• Greyhound Bus: While Lee’s Summit doesn’t have a Greyhound station, the nearest one is about twenty minutes away in Kansas City, which offers long-distance bus service nationwide.
• Amtrak: The Lee’s Summit Amtrak station provides rail service for long-distance travel within Missouri, including connections to Kansas City and St. Louis. 

Ridesharing and Taxi Services

• Uber and Lyft: Uber and Lyft operate in Lee’s Summit, providing convenient, on-demand transportation for residents and visitors.
  • How to Use: Download the app, enter your location and destination, and choose from available ride options (standard, premium, or carpool).
• Taxi Services: Traditional taxi services are available in nearby cities (i.e., Kansas City) that service Lee’s Summit, but ridesharing apps are generally more popular and widely used. 

Carpooling

• RideKC Van: RideKC Van (formerly known as KCATA Vanpool) offers a carpooling service for residents who commute to work in groups. This service is particularly useful for long-distance commuters traveling to and from Kansas City.
  • Website for Information: RideKC Van
  • How to Use: You can sign up with a group of coworkers or join an existing vanpool group. 

Biking and Walking

Biking Trails and Paths: Lee’s Summit is working toward becoming more bike-friendly. The city has added dedicated bike lanes and multi-use trails to encourage cycling for both commuting and recreation. Popular trails include:

• Rock Island Trail: A scenic, multi-use trail that connects Lee’s Summit with other parts of the Kansas City metro area. This trail is part of the larger Katy Trail State Park project.
• Legacy Park: Offers paved trails for biking and walking, suitable for recreational use.
• Greenway Trail System: a comprehensive city-wide greenway master plan developed by the city of Lee’s Summit.

Pedestrian Access: The city is walkable in certain areas, especially downtown Lee’s Summit, with sidewalks and crosswalks making it easy to navigate on foot. 

Airport Access

Kansas City International Airport (MCI): The nearest major airport is Kansas City International Airport, located about 40 minutes to an hour away from Lee’s Summit. Residents typically drive to the airport or use shuttle services for air travel.

• Airport Shuttle Services: Several private shuttle services, including SuperShuttle and other local operators, operate between Lee’s Summit and Kansas City International Airport.
• RideKC Airport Shuttle: In some cases, RideKC offers shuttles to the airport (MCI) from other parts of Kansas City, but this service may require transfers from Lee’s Summit. 

EV & Future Transportation Development

• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: As of this writing, there are 39 EV charging stations across Lee’s Summit, and the city is working to increase that number. View a full list of charging stations here.
• Expansion of Public Transit: Discussions are ongoing about expanding the Kansas City metro’s public transit system, including bus routes and rail services, which could enhance commuting options for Lee’s Summit residents in the future. 

Summary of Transportation Options in Lee’s Summit:

• Personal Vehicles: Most residents rely on cars for daily commuting, supported by well-connected highways.
• Public Transportation: RideKC buses and Amtrak provide public transit options for commuting and long-distance travel.
• Ridesharing: Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis offer on-demand transportation.
• Biking and Walking: Lee’s Summit is becoming more bike-friendly with dedicated trails, and downtown is pedestrian-friendly.
• Airport Access: Kansas City International Airport is a short drive away, with shuttle services available.
• Overall, Lee’s Summit provides a range of transportation options for local commuting and travel within the greater Kansas City area. While personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation, public transit, biking, and ridesharing services offer useful alternatives.