Road Trips from Saint Joseph, MO
Saint Joseph is your launchpad for a variety of Missouri drives. You've got options ranging from a quick 3.8-hour trip to Versailles, MO, with mostly flat terrain and a good drive score, to longer hauls over 8 hours that might require an overnight stay. Several routes offer access to national parks, including Gateway Arch National Park and Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park, making it easy to incorporate some nature into your escape. Whether you want a short day trip or a more extensive exploration, Saint Joseph has a route for you.
Total Routes
61
Shortest
3.6h
With Parks Nearby
61
Full-day getaway
Centralia, MO
3h 34m180.3 mi one way
Holts Summit, MO
3h 59m217.1 mi one way
At 4 hours and 217.1 miles, this route offers a slightly longer drive than Versailles but maintains a high drive score of 9. The terrain is mostly flat, and it’s a mix of highway and surface roads. This trip doesn't directly feature park access, focusing instead on the journey itself.
Versailles, MO
3h 45m184.9 mi one way
This is your closest option at just 3.8 hours, covering 184.9 miles with a drive score of 8. It's a mostly flat terrain drive, making it straightforward. Unlike some of the longer routes to the east, this trip focuses on a more direct drive without park access.
Weekend trip
50 total in this range
Brentwood, MO
5h 40m298 mi one way
This 5.7-hour drive covers 298 miles and boasts a drive score of 9. It's mostly surface roads with flat terrain, and notably, it offers access to Gateway Arch National Park. This makes it a strong contender if you want to combine driving with a significant landmark visit.
Cuba, MO
5h 34m290 mi one way
With a 5.6-hour drive over 290 miles, this route has a drive score of 9 and features a mix of highway and surface roads. The terrain is mostly flat. While it has parks nearby, this specific pick doesn't list them directly, focusing on the driving experience itself.
Florissant, MO
5h 39m296.4 mi one way
Ladue, MO
5h 40m296.3 mi one way
Expect a 5.7-hour drive for 296.3 miles on this route, which has a drive score of 9 and utilizes mostly surface roads over flat terrain. Similar to Brentwood, this option includes access to Gateway Arch National Park, making it a good choice for park enthusiasts.
St. Louis, MO
5h 49m306 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
8 total in this range
Caruthersville, MO
9h 6m486.6 mi one way
At 9.1 hours and 486.6 miles, this drive requires an overnight stay and has a drive score of 7. It’s primarily surface roads on flat terrain. This option is one of the longest, offering access to Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park and Gateway Arch National Park.
Clarkton, MO
9h447 mi one way
This route is recommended for an overnight stay, taking 9 hours and 447 miles with a drive score of 7. It's mostly highway with gently rolling terrain. This pick is notable for its proximity to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, distinguishing it from eastern park options.
Malden, MO
8h 56m442.4 mi one way
An overnight trip is advised for this 8.9-hour drive covering 442.4 miles, featuring a drive score of 7. The route is mostly highway with gently rolling terrain. Like Clarkton, it offers access to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, making it a western-leaning park destination.
New Madrid, MO
8h 32m454.9 mi one way
This destination requires an overnight stay, covering 8.5 hours and 454.9 miles with a drive score of 7. The terrain is mostly flat with surface roads. It provides access to both Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park and Gateway Arch National Park, similar to other longer eastern routes.
East Prairie, MO
8h 32m455.1 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Brentwood, MO
5h 40m298 mi one way
Cuba, MO
5h 34m290 mi one way
Florissant, MO
5h 39m296.4 mi one way
Ladue, MO
5h 40m296.3 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant driving conditions on the mostly flat terrain, with several routes providing access to national parks for early blooms.
Summer
Summer drives are viable, especially for routes with park access like Gateway Arch National Park, though expect warmer temperatures.
Fall
Fall foliage could enhance the gently rolling terrain of western routes, while eastern routes remain appealing with park access.
Winter
Winter drives are feasible, particularly the shorter, mostly flat routes. Longer trips to eastern parks might be impacted by weather.
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 Saint Joseph, MO city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.