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Trip from East Independence, MO to Bridgeton, MO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 23m

Distance

223.4 mi

359 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 10m ★
6 AM
4h 23m
8 AM
4h 50m
10 AM
4h 32m
12 PM
4h 30m
3 PM
4h 34m
5 PM
4h 48m
8 PM
4h 15m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown East Independence, MO, MO

East Independence, MO

Momo King

city in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States

Bridgeton, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 223.4-mile journey from East Independence, MO, to Bridgeton, MO, is designed as a single-day adventure, requiring approximately 4 hours and 23 minutes of travel time. With a fuel cost estimated at $34, it's an economical option for a quick trip. You'll be navigating local roads for the entirety of this drive, with no highway segments, making it a true 'turn-heavy' experience. This route stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel throughout your travels. It's well-suited for those who prefer a more connected, in-town driving experience rather than open highway cruising.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

111.7 miles from East Independence, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 6m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 157.4 mi 3h 1m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway 54.4 mi 58m
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway 1.9 mi 2m
South Little Blue Parkway 1.7 mi 3m
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway 1.6 mi 1m
Gallatin Lane 1.2 mi 4m
South Jackson Drive 1.2 mi 2m
Holke Road 0.9 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway — 157.4 mi, about 3h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between East Independence, MO and Bridgeton, MO.

1

Start on East 9th Street South

79 ft · 8 sec · East 9th Street South
2

Turn left onto Main Road

0.3 mi · 1 min · Main Road
3

Turn left onto East Truman Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Truman Road
4

Turn right onto Holke Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Holke Road
5

Turn straight onto South Jackson Drive

1.2 mi · 2 min · South Jackson Drive
6

Turn left onto East R.D. Mize Road

0.2 mi · 37 sec · East R.D. Mize Road
7

Turn right onto South Little Blue Parkway

1.7 mi · 3 min · South Little Blue Parkway
8

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 17 Toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall Entrance Use the left lane.
9

Continue on I 70

53 mi · 56 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
10

Continue on I 70; US 40

32 mi · 34 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 70

22 mi · 24 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
12

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.8 mi · 2 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
13

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.6 mi · 1 min · Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
14

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.9 mi · 2 min · Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
15

Continue on I 70; US 40

103 mi · 2 hr 2 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 12 sec
Exit 232 Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis Use the slight right lane.
17

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 270 North: Chicago Use the slight left lane.
18

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 18 sec · this road
Exit 232 Toward I 270 North: Chicago
19

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 19 sec
Toward MO 180 Use the slight right lane.
20

Turn slight right

213 ft · 4 sec
Toward MO 180 East: Saint Charles Rock Road, Natural Bridge Road
21

Turn right onto MO 180

274 ft · 7 sec · Saint Charles Rock Road
22

Turn left onto Natural Bridge Road

0.3 mi · 39 sec · Natural Bridge Road
Use the left lane.
23

Turn left onto Gallatin Lane

1.2 mi · 4 min · Gallatin Lane
24

At end of road, turn left onto Gist Road

62 ft · 2 sec · Gist Road
25

Arrive at destination

Gist Road

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour 23-minute duration, this trip is comfortably achievable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for the numerous turns. With a single planned stop and a fuel budget of around $34, you can easily manage your needs. The 'turn-heavy' nature of this route means paying close attention to navigation is key; consider setting up your GPS before you leave East Independence. Being flexible with your timing on this local drive is an advantage, allowing you to adjust for traffic or any unexpected delays on roads like Main Road or East Truman Road.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 111.7 miles from East Independence, MO, or about 2h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.4 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 49 miles or 58m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 111.7 miles or 2h 6m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 31m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bridgeton, MO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving East Independence, MO so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from East Independence, MO

This is one driving day of about 223.4 miles and 4h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from East Independence, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 157.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Columbia, MO

112 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Columbia, MO to Bridgeton, MO

109.6 mi · 2h 15m

Pacing Suggestions

Warrensburg, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbia, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 111.7 miles from East Independence, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 157.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia, Missouri

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 111.7

Hours: 3–8 pm

+15732346277

Visit website

Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 111.7

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: 3–8 pm

+15732346277

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18167955520

Visit website

Chuck-A-Burger Drive-In Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 223.4

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13144279524

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 111.7

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 175.5

Warrenton, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16364562001

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 111.7

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 207.4

St Peters, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 111.7

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 207.4

O'Fallon, Missouri

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 111.7

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 95.7

Boonville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 221.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Main Road

Turn left onto Main Road

Navigation decision point

8
5 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the ramp toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall Entrance

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Exit 17 Toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall E...
8
220.6 mi into trip | ~4h 15m in

Take the exit toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 232 Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis
7
220.8 mi into trip | ~4h 16m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 270 North: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 270 North: Chicago
8
221.5 mi into trip | ~4h 16m in

Keep slight right at fork toward MO 180

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward MO 180

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.93 one way

$69.85 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $38.35 $76.69
premium $4.89 $42.99 $85.98
diesel $5.61 $49.32 $98.65

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 78.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 67 0 $23.46 $10.72
Efficient EV 55.9 0 $19.55 $8.94
EV Truck/SUV 89.4 1 $31.28 $14.30

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

East Independence, MO

Late night in East Independence on Sunday

Local time

1:00 AM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bridgeton, MO

Late night in Bridgeton on Sunday

Local time

1:00 AM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Columbia, MO

112 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

8 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 23m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park

National Park

Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, a...

15 mi from route ~39 min detour $19 near mile 223.4
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a local, turn-heavy drive for the full 223.4 miles, as this route has a 0% highway share. The longest uninterrupted stretch is not specified, but the 'turn-heavy' profile suggests frequent intersections and changes in direction. You'll be traversing local roads like Main Road, East Truman Road, and Holke Road, which means you'll likely pass through various towns and neighborhoods. This type of driving offers a more intimate look at the landscape and communities along the way, rather than the fast pace of interstate travel.

Only 1% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 157.4 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Main Road.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 223.4 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Main Road): Navigation decision point; at 5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 220.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 23m. Total distance: 223.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 157.4 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Bridgeton, MO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Main Road): Navigation decision point; at 5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 220.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Bridgeton, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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