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Trip from Kansas City, MO to Cabool, 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 47m

Distance

243 mi

391 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 34m ★
6 AM
4h 48m
8 AM
5h 15m
10 AM
4h 57m
12 PM
4h 55m
3 PM
4h 59m
5 PM
5h 13m
8 PM
4h 40m

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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city in Missouri, United States, that is one of two county seats of Jackson County and the largest city in Missouri

Kansas City, MO

Wikimedia Commons

city in Texas County, Missouri, United States

Cabool, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 243 miles across the heart of Missouri, this drive from Kansas City to Cabool takes approximately 4 hours and 47 minutes. Because of the manageable duration, it is perfectly suited as a one-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend about $37 on fuel for the journey, making it a relatively affordable excursion within the Midwest. The route relies primarily on a combination of MO 13, US 60, and MO 7 to navigate between these two points. By prioritizing highway travel, this itinerary offers a straightforward path through the state, providing a reliable travel experience for those looking to reach Cabool efficiently.

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

121.5 miles from Kansas City, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
MO 13 68 mi 1h 19m
US 60 66.8 mi 1h 18m
MO 7 55.6 mi 1h 4m
Bruce R. Watkins Drive 37.3 mi 44m
Schoolcraft Freeway 8.3 mi 10m
Payne Stewart Highway 4.3 mi 5m
Peabody Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
Charlotte Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: MO 13 — 68 mi, about 1h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kansas City, MO and Cabool, MO.

1

Start on Oak Street

20 ft · 4 sec · Oak Street
2

Turn right onto East 12th Street

0.2 mi · 42 sec · East 12th Street
3

Turn right onto Charlotte Street

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Charlotte Street
4

Turn left onto East Truman Road

395 ft · 11 sec · East Truman Road
5

Turn right onto Campbell Street

68 ft · 1 sec · Campbell Street
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward US 71 South: Joplin
7

Merge onto US 71

37 mi · 44 min · Bruce R. Watkins Drive
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit onto MO 7

0.2 mi · 19 sec · MO 7
Exit 157 Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
9

Turn slight left onto MO 7

55 mi · 1 hr 3 min · MO 7
Exit 157 Toward MO 7 South: Clinton Use the left lane.
10

Continue on MO 13

68 mi · 1 hr 19 min · MO 13
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward I 44 East: Rolla, Saint Louis
12

Merge onto I 44

4.3 mi · 5 min · Payne Stewart Highway
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Exit 82A Toward US 65 South: Branson
14

Merge onto US 65

8.3 mi · 10 min · Schoolcraft Freeway
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 52 sec
Toward US 60 East: Cabool
16

Merge onto US 60

67 mi · 1 hr 18 min · US 60
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward MO 181: Cabool
18

Turn left onto MO 181

0.4 mi · 44 sec · Peabody Avenue
19

Continue on MO 181

0.2 mi · 24 sec · South Elm Street
20

Turn right onto US 60 Business

0.1 mi · 18 sec · Ozark Street
21

Turn left

120 ft · 8 sec
22

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 4-hour and 47-minute drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid midday congestion. Plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs, as this will help break up the monotony of the longer highway segments. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the 68-mile stretch on MO 13, ensuring you have enough to cover the distance comfortably before reaching your next service area. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace based on traffic conditions. By keeping your fuel budget around $37 in mind, you can plan your stops strategically to ensure a smooth arrival in Cabool.

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 121.5 miles from Kansas City, MO, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68 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 53 miles or 1h 3m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 121.5 miles or 2h 22m 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 55m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO

This is one driving day of about 243 miles and 4h 47m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Kansas City, 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 MO 13 for about 68 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Ash Grove, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ash Grove, MO

122 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

Garden City, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Warsaw, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 121.5 miles from Kansas City, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before MO 13 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68 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

Pokesan - Poke Bowls, Dumplings & More

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18167016120

Visit website

Dott Boss

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kansas City, Missouri

0.3 mi

Black Garlic Restaurant & Rum Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

2.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Pokesan - Poke Bowls, Dumplings & More

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18167016120

Visit website

Dott Boss

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+18162838000

Visit website

Black Garlic Restaurant & Rum Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 5–9 pm

+18162146939

Visit website

Chef Tito´s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

North Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 4–9 pm

+18168414700

Visit website

TAILLEUR RESTAURANT

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $50 to $10

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 5–9 pm

+18164427042

Visit website

Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18164210002

Visit website

Wolcano Teppanyaki

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

North Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18168281200

Visit website

Five Guys

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 173.6

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+14172334794

Visit website

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Dynamic EV Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 173.6

Springfield, Missouri

+18332172197

Visit website

Universal EV Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 243

Cabool, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663502738

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 138.9

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14173260188

Visit website

Dynamic EVC Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 173.6

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18332172197

Visit website

DynamicEVC Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 173.6

Springfield, Missouri

+18332172197

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 104.2

Osceola, Missouri

+18888074522

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 173.6

Springfield, Missouri

+18332172197

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 173.6

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Meadowmere Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 17.4

Grandview, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+18163164888

Visit website

Money Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 9:30 am–4 pm

+18168812683

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 38.3 — 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 | East 12th Street

Turn right onto East 12th Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in | Campbell Street

Turn right onto Campbell Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.8 mi into trip | ~2m in | US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive

Merge onto US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
38.1 mi into trip | ~46m in | MO 7

Take the exit onto MO 7 toward MO 7 South: Clinton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 157 Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
5
38.3 mi into trip | ~46m in | MO 7

Turn slight left onto MO 7 toward MO 7 South: Clinton

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Exit 157 Toward MO 7 South: Clinton

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.99 one way

$75.98 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $41.71 $83.42
premium $4.89 $46.76 $93.53
diesel $5.61 $53.65 $107.30

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$38

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 85 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 72.9 0 $25.51 $11.66
Efficient EV 60.8 0 $21.26 $9.72
EV Truck/SUV 97.2 1 $34.02 $15.55

Gas CO2

85 kg

EV CO2

28 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

Kansas City, MO

Late night in Kansas City on Sunday

Local time

1:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cabool, MO

Late night in Cabool on Sunday

Local time

1:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

79°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

5 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 47m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience, as 82% of this trip is spent on major thoroughfares. You will face a longest uninterrupted stretch of 68 miles on MO 13, which provides a steady rhythm for your drive. The road’s personality shifts as you transition between these state routes, blending fast-paced highway segments with the changing landscape of Missouri. Maintaining focus is important during the longer highway stretches, as the road character remains consistent for significant portions of the trip. Overall, the drive offers a practical balance for those who prefer time-efficient roads over slower, secondary passages.

82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 68 mi on MO 13.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 13 and US 60. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East 12th Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 243 miles you will encounter 18 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: near the start (East 12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Campbell Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Kansas City, MO to Cabool, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Louis along the way.

Saint Louis

161.8 mi in | ~3h 9m

About the Cities

Starting in Kansas City, MO

Full guide →

Kansas City is a major Midwestern metropolitan area that spreads across the border of Missouri and Kansas. It is a city that tends to hide itself from tourists. Reputed to have more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world except for Rome, it can be a beautiful city, too. It is unique in that it is split down the middle by the state line of Kansas and Missouri.

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 47m. Total distance: 243 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 68 miles on MO 13. 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 Cabool, 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 (East 12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Campbell Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Cabool, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Return Trip

Cabool, MO to Kansas City, MO

Plan the drive back the other way.

242.6 mi 4h 46m

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