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Summer Road Trips in Missouri

Routes

30

Avg Distance

413 mi

Avg Drive

7h 58m

Destinations

13

Summer in Missouri means long days perfect for exploring its 30 diverse routes. With an average of 413 miles and nearly 8 hours of driving, these trips offer a good chance to experience the state's varied landscapes. You'll find routes with a drive score up to 7, some touching elevations near 900 feet, and EV charging coverage ranging from good to excellent with up to 30 DC fast chargers available.

Planning Tips

Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've identified 30 routes in Missouri that work well for summer travel, based on drive quality, typical weather conditions, and distance (averaging 413 miles).

Drive times and distances come from actual road network data via OSRM. Fuel costs use current state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. All data is recalculated regularly.

Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Summer Routes

Editor's pick

Saint Joseph, MO → Caruthersville, MO

486.6 mi 9h 6m Score: 7/10

This route stands out with its mostly flat terrain and good EV coverage, offering 9 DC fast chargers. It's a longer drive at 486.6 miles, giving you plenty of time to explore.

Editor's pick

Saint Joseph, MO → Clarkton, MO

447 mi 9h Score: 7/10

With excellent EV coverage and 30 DC fast chargers, this highway-focused drive is convenient for electric vehicle travelers. It includes access to parks, making it a solid choice for a summer excursion.

Editor's pick

Bethany, MO → Saint Joseph, MO

438.9 mi 8h 56m Score: 7/10

This highway-focused option boasts excellent EV coverage, with 20 DC fast chargers along its 438.9-mile path. It also features park access, ideal for summer exploration.

Kansas City, MO → Caruthersville, MO

428.9 mi 8h 4m Score: 7/10

New York, MO → Malden, MO

428.6 mi 8h 24m Score: 9/10

Steele, MO → East Independence, MO

427.8 mi 8h 3m Score: 9/10

Caruthersville, MO → Lee's Summit, MO

426.2 mi 8h 3m Score: 9/10

Independence, MO → Caruthersville, MO

421.6 mi 7h 56m Score: 8/10

Caruthersville, MO → East Independence, MO

419.6 mi 7h 57m Score: 9/10

East Independence, MO → Clarkton, MO

416.4 mi 8h 4m Score: 7/10

Hayti, MO → East Independence, MO

415.7 mi 7h 50m Score: 9/10

Steele, MO → Lee's Summit, MO

414.1 mi 6h 54m Score: 8/10

Scott City, MO → Saint Joseph, MO

412.4 mi 7h 46m Score: 9/10

Caruthersville, MO → Blue Springs, MO

412.3 mi 7h 46m Score: 9/10

Blue Springs, MO → Caruthersville, MO

411.9 mi 7h 44m Score: 8/10

Independence, MO → Malden, MO

411.2 mi 7h 52m Score: 8/10

East Independence, MO → Malden, MO

408.9 mi 7h 52m Score: 8/10

Doniphan, MO → Saint Joseph, MO

406.7 mi 8h 8m Score: 7/10

Kansas City, MO → Kennett, MO

404.3 mi 8h 13m Score: 7/10

Blue Springs, MO → Bethany, MO

404 mi 7h 50m Score: 8/10

Kennett, MO → Kansas City, MO

403.8 mi 8h 13m Score: 7/10

Lilbourn, MO → Kansas City, MO

402.3 mi 7h 36m Score: 9/10

Blue Springs, MO → Malden, MO

401.5 mi 7h 40m Score: 8/10

Kansas City, MO → East Prairie, MO

397.4 mi 7h 29m Score: 8/10

Piedmont, MO → Saint Joseph, MO

397 mi 7h 54m Score: 8/10

Poplar Bluff, MO → New York, MO

396.7 mi 7h 50m Score: 10/10

Independence, MO → Campbell, MO

389 mi 7h 48m Score: 8/10

Kansas City, MO → Malden, MO

388.6 mi 7h 53m Score: 8/10

New Madrid, MO → East Independence, MO

387.9 mi 7h 22m Score: 10/10

Kansas City, MO → Bethany, MO

385.9 mi 7h 52m Score: 8/10

Explore More

Missouri Trips Scenic drives in Missouri