Diamond Head Restaurant
Near the end, short detour
Republic, Missouri
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+14177325188
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 53m
Distance
251.3 mi
404 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Florissant, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Aurora, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Embark on a 251.3-mile journey from Florissant, MO, to Aurora, MO, a trip that will take approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes. This drive is best suited as a single-day excursion, especially with a projected fuel cost of around $38. You'll navigate primarily local roads, with a significant number of turns, rather than high-speed highways, as indicated by the 0% highway share. The route stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel throughout your travels. Given the profile, it's a more engaging, turn-heavy experience perfect for a day trip.
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
125.7 miles from Florissant, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor | 201.8 mi | 3h 39m |
| US 60 | 18 mi | 26m |
| Rosemary Straub Davison Highway | 16.1 mi | 20m |
| MO B | 3.9 mi | 6m |
| Dougherty Ferry Road | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| East Church Street | 2 mi | 3m |
| Lindbergh Boulevard | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| Southwest Elm Street | 1.2 mi | 1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Florissant, MO and Aurora, MO.
Start on North New Florissant Road
Turn right onto Washington Street
Turn left onto US 67
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 270
Take the exit
Turn right onto Dougherty Ferry Road
Continue on Forest Avenue
Turn left onto MO 141
Take the exit
Turn right onto North Highway Drive
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 44; US 50
Take the exit
Turn left onto MO B; MO MM
Continue on this road
Turn straight onto US 60; MO 413
Continue on US 60; MO 14; MO 413
Continue on US 60; MO 413
Continue on US 60; MO 265
Turn right onto US 60 Business
Turn right onto MO 39; MO 265
Arrive at destination
With a duration of under 5 hours, this 251.3-mile trip is easily manageable as a single-day adventure. Plan to depart in the morning to allow ample time for the numerous turns and to enjoy the drive without feeling rushed. While there's only one stop recommended, the frequent turns mean you'll be engaged with the road, so consider a brief break midway to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you move through local areas, and note the estimated fuel cost of $38 for budgeting. A good tip for this route is to have your GPS or navigation system readily available due to the 'turn-heavy' nature.
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.
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 55 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.7 miles or 2h 25m 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 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Aurora, MO than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO
This is one driving day of about 251.3 miles and 4h 53m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
126 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.
A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 125.7 miles from Florissant, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 201.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · home stretch
Republic, Missouri
Near the end, short detour
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+14177325188
Cantonese Kitchen
Springfield, Missouri
HK'S Cafe & Bistro
Berkeley, Missouri
Best coffee break · first break window
Kirkwood, Missouri
Near the start, short detour
Hours: 8 am–3 pm
+13146982200
Near the end, short detour
Republic, Missouri
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+14177325188
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Springfield, Missouri
Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm
+14177715621
Near the start, short detour
Berkeley, Missouri
Hours: 10 am–7 pm
+13145512100
Near the start, ~9 min detour
Ferguson, Missouri
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
+13149428717
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Kirkwood, Missouri
Hours: 8 am–3 pm
+13146982200
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Springfield, Missouri
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Sullivan, Missouri
Hours: Open 24 hours
+15738608880
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Marshfield, Missouri
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18889982546
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Springfield, Missouri
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Springfield, Missouri
+18332172197
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Sullivan, Missouri
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Republic, Missouri
+18332172197
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Rolla, Missouri
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.1 and 225.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Merge onto I 270 / Rosemary Straub Davison Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward Dougherty Ferry Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the ramp toward I 44 West, US 50 West: Rolla
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Merge onto I 44; US 50 / Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward MO MM, MO B
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$39.29 one way
$78.58 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $43.14 | $86.27 |
| premium | $4.89 | $48.36 | $96.72 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $55.48 | $110.97 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 75.4 | 0 | $26.39 | $12.06 |
| Efficient EV | 62.8 | 0 | $21.99 | $10.05 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 100.5 | 1 | $35.18 | $16.08 |
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Florissant on Tuesday
Local time
4:24 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Destination
Late night in Aurora on Tuesday
Local time
4:24 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
70°F
Waynesville, MO
126 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
National Battlefield
Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and where the first Union general was killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focuse...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
This route is characterized by its frequent turns, making it a 'turn-heavy local drive' with no highway mileage. The longest uninterrupted stretch is not specified, suggesting a dynamic driving experience with regular changes in direction and speed. Expect to be actively navigating through local roads for the majority of the 251.3 miles, rather than cruising on open highways. This means you'll likely experience a variety of road conditions and speeds as you make your way from Florissant to Aurora.
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 3.1 miles in near I 270 / Rosemary Straub Davison Highway.
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 251.3 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles (I 270 / Rosemary Straub Davison Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.9 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Florissant, MO to Aurora, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Mo B along the way.
Mo B
Aurora is a small town in the Southwest Missouri Region of the Missouri Ozarks.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 53m. Total distance: 251.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (7%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
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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