Embark on a 356.9-mile journey from Flat River, MO, to Saint Joseph, MO, a drive that will take approximately 6 hours and 49 minutes. This single-day trip is entirely within the Midwest region, making it a straightforward point-to-point adventure. With a projected fuel cost of around $54, it's an economical option for a quick getaway. The route primarily utilizes highways, with 32% of the drive on major roadways, suggesting a mix of travel experiences. Consider this a solid day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
178.4 miles from Flat River, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 33m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
80.7 mi
1h 35m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
54.4 mi
58m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
54.3 mi
58m
US 67
26.6 mi
30m
I 29
26 mi
27m
Avenue of the Saints
25.4 mi
30m
I 435
20.9 mi
22m
I 55
20.5 mi
22m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 80.7 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Flat River, MO and Saint Joseph, MO.
1
Start on Crane Street
306 ft·9 sec·Crane Street
2
Turn right onto US 67 Business
0.1 mi·14 sec·East Main Street
3
Keep slight right at fork onto US 67 Business
0.1 mi·17 sec·West Main Street
4
Turn right onto US 67 Business
380 ft·7 sec·Coffman Street
5
Turn slight left onto US 67 Business
0.9 mi·1 min·Taylor Avenue
6
Continue on US 67 Business; MO 8
2.0 mi·3 min·South Desloge Drive
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 67 North: Saint Louis
8
Merge onto US 67
26 mi·30 min·US 67
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 67
0.3 mi·27 sec·US 67
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·49 sec
Toward I 55 North: Saint Louis
11
Merge onto I 55
21 mi·22 min·I 55
12
Continue on I 55
1.3 mi·1 min·Rosa Parks Highway
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 196Toward I 270 West, I 255 East: Kansas City, ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
388 ft·8 sec
Toward I 270 West: Kansas CityUse the slight left lane.
15
Continue on this road
0.7 mi·1 min·this road
Exit 196Toward I 270 West
16
Merge onto I 270
11 mi·14 min·I 270
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 12Toward I 64, US 40, US 61: Wentzville, Saint LouisUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward I 64 West, US 40 West, US 61 North: WentzvilleUse the slight left lane.
19
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·9 sec·this road
Exit 12Toward I 64 West, US 40 West, US 61 North: Wentzville
20
Merge onto I 64; US 40; US 61
25 mi·30 min·Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the exit onto US 40
0.6 mi·1 min·US 40
Exit 1AToward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas CityUse the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Merge onto I 70; US 40
81 mi·1 hr 35 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
23
Continue on I 70; US 40
2.0 mi·2 min·Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
24
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi·1 min·Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
25
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi·2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
26
Continue on I 70; US 40
54 mi·58 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
Exit 8BToward I 435 North, US 24 East: Des MoinesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Merge onto I 435; US 24
7.8 mi·9 min·Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
34
Continue on I435 N
1.3 mi·1 min·I435 N
35
Continue on I 435
21 mi·22 min·I 435
36
Keep slight left at fork onto I 29; US 71
26 mi·27 min·I 29; US 71
Toward I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
37
Take the exit
0.5 mi·54 sec
Exit 43Toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
38
Continue on I 229
5.7 mi·6 min·I 229
39
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 6AToward Central Business District
40
Continue on Edmond Street
0.5 mi·57 sec·Edmond Street
41
Turn left onto I 29 Business
0.2 mi·20 sec·South 10th Street
42
Turn right onto I 29 Business
379 ft·6 sec·Frederick Avenue
43
Turn slight right onto Walter Welsh Avenue
137 ft·2 sec·Walter Welsh Avenue
44
Arrive at destination
Walter Welsh Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 6 hour and 49 minute drive, starting early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of over 80 miles, plan your breaks strategically. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer segments on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. Given the manageable duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, offering flexibility in your departure time and pace.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 178.4 miles from Flat River, MO, or about 3h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.7 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 79 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 178.4 miles or 3h 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Joseph, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Flat River, 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 Flat River, MO
This is one driving day of about 356.9 miles and 6h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 79 miles from Flat River, 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 80.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 52.3 and 90.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
52.3 mi into trip|~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 270 West, I 255 East: Kansas City, Chicago
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 196
Toward I 270 West, I 255 East: Kansas City, Chi...
8
52.5 mi into trip|~1h 2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 270 West: Kansas City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 270 West: Kansas City
8
64.8 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Take the exit toward I 64, US 40, US 61: Wentzville, Saint Louis
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 12
Toward I 64, US 40, US 61: Wentzville, Saint Lo...
8
65 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 64 West, US 40 West, US 61 North: Wentzville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 64 West, US 40 West, US 61 North: Went...
8
90.9 mi into trip|~1h 49m in|US 40
Take the exit onto US 40 toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 1A
Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.80 one way
$111.59 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg125 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$61.26
$122.53
premium
$4.89
$68.68
$137.36
diesel
$5.61
$78.80
$157.60
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 124.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
107.1
1
$37.47
$17.13
Efficient EV
89.2
1
$31.23
$14.28
EV Truck/SUV
142.8
1
$49.97
$22.84
Gas CO2
125 kg
EV CO2
42 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 17, 2026
Origin
Flat River, MO
Evening
in Flat River on Saturday
Local time
8:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Saint Joseph, MO
Evening
in Saint Joseph on Saturday
Local time
8:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
9 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 49m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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
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...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
$19
near mile 61.5
Established by 1750, Ste. Geneviève was the first permanent European settlement in Missouri. Early French Canadian settlers were drawn here by the rich agricultural land known as Le Grand Champ (the B...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 24.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a mixed experience, balancing highway travel with other road types. You'll spend 32% of your time on major highways, including stretches of the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway and U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway. Be prepared for the longest uninterrupted segment of 80.7 miles on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, which will offer a period of consistent cruising. The overall profile suggests a journey that isn't solely a monotonous interstate grind, but rather a varied travel experience.
32% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
44 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80.7 mi on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 52.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 356.9 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: at 52.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 52.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 64.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Flat River, MO and Saint Joseph, MO, road signs point toward Chicago and Saint Louis.
Chicago
52.3 mi in|~1h 1m
Saint Louis
64.8 mi in|~1h 17m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 49m. Total distance: 356.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 49m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 80.7 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 Saint Joseph, 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: at 52.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 52.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 64.8 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 and Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Saint Joseph, MO before the return drive.
