Road Trips from Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, MO, is your jumping-off point for a variety of Missouri adventures. You've got options ranging from quick, half-day drives to longer excursions. Many routes offer a pleasant, mostly flat terrain, perfect for a relaxed drive. With several destinations featuring nearby parks, you can easily incorporate some outdoor time into your trip. Consider these routes if you're looking for a straightforward drive with the possibility of nature stops, whether you plan a day trip or a longer stay.
Total Routes
48
Shortest
3.1h
With Parks Nearby
48
Full-day getaway
Center, MO
3h 51m201.3 mi one way
Choosing Center, MO, means a 3.9-hour drive covering 201.3 miles. This option is primarily surface roads, making for a straightforward journey through mostly flat terrain. It's designed as a day trip, so no overnight is suggested.
Osage Beach, MO
3h 24m167.2 mi one way
This route to Osage Beach, MO, is a solid choice if you want a shorter drive, just 3.4 hours. It features a mixed highway and surface road profile, covering 167.2 miles. The terrain is mostly flat, making for an easy ride. This trip is a good option for a day trip, as it doesn't recommend an overnight stay.
Linn, MO
3h 29m178.5 mi one way
Head to Linn, MO, for a 3.5-hour drive covering 178.5 miles. This route sticks mostly to surface roads, offering a consistent driving experience. Like many options from Kansas City, the terrain is mostly flat. It’s a day-trip friendly destination, not requiring an overnight stop.
Wentzville, MO
3h 57m207.9 mi one way
Wardsville, MO
3h 5m163.6 mi one way
For a slightly shorter trip at 3.1 hours and 163.6 miles, consider Wardsville, MO. This route is mostly surface roads with a drive score of 8. The terrain is mostly flat, and it's set up as a day trip, not recommending an overnight stay.
Weekend trip
41 total in this range
Sullivan, MO
4h 47m241.4 mi one way
Sullivan, MO, is a longer drive at 4.8 hours and 241.4 miles, but it's a good option if you prefer mostly surface roads. The drive score is a strong 9, and the terrain is mostly flat. This is a day-trip focused route.
Forsyth, MO
4h 13m212.2 mi one way
Morgan, MO
4h 5m186.5 mi one way
Owensville, MO
4h 5m208.3 mi one way
Seymour, MO
4h 1m203.2 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
Kennett, MO
8h 13m404.3 mi one way
Caruthersville, MO
8h 4m428.9 mi one way
Consider Caruthersville, MO, if you're looking for the longest trip, an 8.1-hour drive covering 428.9 miles. This route is mostly surface roads and includes access to Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park and Gateway Arch National Park. It is the only option recommending an overnight stay.
Browse by Mood
Sullivan, MO
4h 47m241.4 mi one way
Forsyth, MO
4h 13m212.2 mi one way
Morgan, MO
4h 5m186.5 mi one way
Center, MO
3h 51m201.3 mi one way
Sullivan, MO
4h 47m241.4 mi one way
Osage Beach, MO
3h 24m167.2 mi one way
Rolla, MO
4h 14m218.6 mi one way
Memphis, MO
4h 21m198.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With mostly flat terrain and options for nearby parks, spring drives from Kansas City are pleasant for day trips.
Summer
The mostly flat terrain on these routes makes summer drives manageable, with park access offering opportunities for outdoor breaks.
Fall
Enjoy the mostly flat drives in the fall, which offer proximity to parks for scenic viewing.
Winter
The predominantly flat terrain on these routes ensures accessible drives, even with parks nearby.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Kansas City, MO city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.