Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Hillsboro, MO to Blue Springs, MO
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 52m
Distance
248.1 mi
399 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 39m
★
6 AM
4h 52m
8 AM
5h 19m
10 AM
5h 2m
12 PM
4h 59m
3 PM
5h 3m
5 PM
5h 18m
8 PM
4h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hillsboro, MO
Valeria Boltneva
Blue Springs, MO
卓浩 虞
Trip Overview
Hillsboro to Blue Springs is 248.1 miles and takes about 4h 52m via Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip keeps you within Missouri the entire way, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. Expect a drive that's mostly on surface roads, offering a more local feel than a pure interstate experience. With only one recommended stop and a duration under five hours, this is a straightforward drive perfect for a single day.
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
124.1 miles from Hillsboro, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 34m 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 | 50.6 mi | 54m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 22.1 mi | 26m |
| Veterans Memorial Highway | 17.1 mi | 19m |
| MO 141 | 15.3 mi | 23m |
| Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway | 2 mi | 2m |
| Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway | 1.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 80.7 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,993 veh/hr typical · worst 2,486
Quietest
1 AM
~217 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hillsboro, MO and Blue Springs, MO.
1
Start on MO 21 Business
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Old State Highway 21
2
Turn left onto MO A
174 ft
·
3 sec
·
MO A
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Toward MO 21 North: Saint Louis
4
Merge onto MO 21
17 mi
·
19 min
·
Veterans Memorial Highway
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
Toward MO 141: Arnold, Fenton
6
Turn left onto MO 141
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
MO 141
Use the straight lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 141
11 mi
·
17 min
·
MO 141
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Take the exit
133 ft
·
7 sec
Toward I 64 West, US 40 West, US 61 North: Wentzville
9
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 64 West, US 40 West, US 61 North: Wentzville
10
Merge onto I 64; US 40; US 61
22 mi
·
26 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit onto US 40
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US 40
Exit 1A
Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Merge onto I 70; US 40
81 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
13
Continue on I 70; US 40
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
14
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
15
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
16
Continue on I 70; US 40
54 mi
·
58 min
·
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
17
Continue on I 70; US 40
49 mi
·
52 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 20
Toward MO 7: Blue Springs, Lake Lotawana
Use the slight right lane.
19
Turn left onto MO 7
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
MO 7
Use the left lane.
20
Turn right onto Northwest R D Mize Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Northwest R D Mize Road
21
At end of road, turn left onto Northwest 15th Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Northwest 15th Street
22
Arrive at destination
Southwest 15th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 52-minute drive time, starting your trip in Hillsboro in the morning will give you plenty of daylight to reach Blue Springs. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $38, you can plan for minimal interruptions. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition off the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, as surface roads can sometimes have fewer service areas. The relatively short distance means you have flexibility if you decide to stop for a bit longer at your chosen point along the way.
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 124.1 miles from Hillsboro, MO, or about 2h 34m 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 55 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.1 miles or 2h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Blue Springs, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, MO
This is one driving day of about 248.1 miles and 4h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Hillsboro, 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
124 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 124.1 miles from Hillsboro, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Dwight D Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Wright City Rest Area (Westbound)
0.1 mi from route
Wright City Rest Area (Eastbound)
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Truck Parking
0.1 mi from route
Concordia Rest Area Eastbound
0.1 mi from route
Concordia Rest Area Westbound
0.1 mi from route
Truck Parking
0.1 mi from route
Boonville Rest Area Eastbound
0.1 mi from route
Betty's Truck Stop
0.1 mi from route
Midway Auto Truck Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Mr. Fuel Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Boonville Rest Area Westbound
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
West Land Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Gasper's
0.3 mi from route
Road Ranger
1.8 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 18.7 and 246.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
18.7 mi into trip
|
~23m in
Take the exit toward MO 141: Arnold, Fenton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MO 141: Arnold, Fenton
5
18.9 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
MO 141
Turn left onto MO 141
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
22.9 mi into trip
|
~29m in
|
MO 141
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 141
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
56.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 14m 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
8
246.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 48m in
Take the exit toward MO 7: Blue Springs, Lake Lotawana
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 20
Toward MO 7: Blue Springs, Lake Lotawana
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.64 one way
$73.28 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
87 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $40.45 | $80.90 |
| premium | $4.72 | $46.06 | $92.13 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $46.85 | $93.69 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74.4 | 0 | $26.05 | $11.91 |
| Efficient EV | 62 | 0 | $21.71 | $9.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 99.2 | 1 | $34.73 | $15.88 |
Gas CO2
87 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Hillsboro, MO
Late night in Hillsboro on Sunday
Local time
1:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 6 mph
24% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 4:25AM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 3:04AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Destination
Blue Springs, MO
Late night in Blue Springs on Sunday
Local time
1:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
SW 6 mph
6% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 4:25AM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 3:04AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
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
17 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
4h 52m 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
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...
17 mi from route
~43 min detour
$19
near mile 34.2
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
About 7% of this 248.1-mile route is on highways, meaning you'll spend most of your time on surface roads. The longest stretch on a highway, the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, lasts for 80.7 miles before you transition to local routes. This transition likely means more varied speed limits and potentially more intersections as you get closer to your destination.
Only 7% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 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?
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 around 18.7 miles in.
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 248.1 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 18.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.9 miles (MO 141): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.9 miles (MO 141): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
974 ft
504 ft
Total Climb
747 ft
Total Descent
568 ft
Highest Point
974 ft
~248.1 mi in
Elevation Range
470 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Hillsboro, MO to Blue Springs, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Fenton along the way.
Fenton
18.7 mi in
|
~23m
About the Cities
Starting in Hillsboro, MO
Full guide →Founded 1839
Arriving in Blue Springs, MO
Full guide →Founded 1880
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 52m. Total distance: 248.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads 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.
Yes — we found about 31 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Blue Springs, 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. There are 31 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 18.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.9 miles (MO 141): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.9 miles (MO 141): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Blue Springs, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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