Find low car rental prices in Lee's Summit, Missouri with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, compact cars and minivans and reserve with no reservation fees. Compare deals from neighborhood branches on Douglas Street, along US-50 and off MO-291 and book early for the best selection before driving 25 minutes up I-470 to downtown Kansas City or out to Lake Jacomo.
Since Lee's Summit is a suburb without an airport or other major rental hubs, car rental options are mainly at city-based locations.
Location | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Douglas Street/Downtown | • Walkable to historic downtown • Close to dining and shopping • Convenient to city services |
• Limited hours (often closed Sundays) • Smaller fleet selection • Limited availability during peak periods |
East US-50 Corridor | • Near major highways • Proximity to shopping centers • Convenient for suburban travelers |
• Not walkable to downtown • May require transportation to reach • Limited agency options |
Missouri 291/150 Area | • Near Summit Woods Crossing • Access to restaurants and shopping • Convenient to southern neighborhoods |
• Traffic congestion during peak hours • Limited vehicle selection • Restricted weekend hours |
Nearby Airport Option: Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is approximately 40 miles (64 km) from Lee's Summit and offers all major rental agencies along with wider vehicle selection, though at higher rates due to airport fees.
On average, car rentals in Lee's Summit cost around $88 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Compare Lee's Summit vs. MCI Airport rates. Airport fees often jack up prices, so check both. If you already need a ride from the airport, a local pickup in Lee's Summit can be cheaper.
Shift your pickup to mid-week. Local branches run smaller fleets and often lower prices on Tuesdays or Wednesdays when demand dips.
Go compact unless you truly need space. Downtown and shopping-center parking is plentiful and free, so you won't miss the SUV—plus you'll save on rental cost and gas.
Use Missouri's spouse/partner perk. State law waives the additional-driver fee for a spouse or domestic partner, saving about $10-15 per day.
Check weekly rates for 5+ day trips. A 7-day booking can be 30-40 % cheaper than rolling daily rates, even if you return the car a bit early.
Fuel up before drop-off. Stations like QuikTrip or Costco on MO-291 are usually 5-10¢/gal cheaper than highway exits, beating the rental company's refill price every time.
Downtown Parking:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Get a car rental so you can see:
Downtown Kansas City – museums, Power & Light District, River Market
Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake – marina, trails, picnic areas
Independence – Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, square
Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums – NFL games, MLB games
Is a car necessary when visiting Lee's Summit? Yes, you'll definitely need a car. Lee's Summit is a suburb where people mostly drive, and public transit is limited. You'll find attractions, shops and restaurants spread all over the area, so renting a car is your best bet.
What are the busiest traffic times in Lee's Summit? Traffic gets heavy during weekday rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM), especially on main roads like Douglas Street, Missouri 291 and US-50. On weekends, you'll find more traffic around the Summit Fair and Summit Woods shopping centers, especially when people are holiday shopping.
Where is the best place to rent a car if arriving at Kansas City International Airport? You can find all the major rental companies at the airport's rental center. If you're staying in Lee's Summit, it's a good idea to rent your car at the airport and drive over (about a 45–55 minute trip). You'll usually find more cars to choose from there than at the local agencies in Lee's Summit.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Lee's Summit? You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit or debit card in your name. Most companies will check that you have insurance. You can use your personal auto policy or buy coverage at the counter, but they don't always require you to show physical proof. International visitors need a valid passport and driver's license. An International Driving Permit is strongly recommended, and some companies require it if your license is not printed in English.
How much should I budget for fuel? Gas prices in Lee's Summit usually range from about $3.00 to $3.50 a gallon, depending on the season. If you drive a compact car to explore Lee's Summit and visit Kansas City, you might spend around $35-55 on fuel over a weekend.
Are there any areas I should avoid driving in Lee's Summit? No, Lee's Summit is a very safe community and the roads are in good condition. Just take normal precautions when driving and know that some older GPS systems may not show the newest developments.
How does winter weather affect driving in Lee's Summit? Snow and ice can sometimes make winter driving difficult. Crews clear the major roads quickly, but neighborhood streets may stay slick longer. If you visit from December to February, you might want an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main roads.
Can I easily find parking at shopping centers and downtown? Yes, you'll find plenty of free parking at all the major shopping centers and downtown. Even during busy shopping seasons, you can usually find a parking spot a short walk from where you're going.