Kansas City, MO to Maryland Heights, MO is 234.1 miles and takes about 4h 29m via Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive keeps you within the Midwest region, specifically within Missouri, making it a convenient same-day trip. Expect a route that involves a good amount of local driving interspersed with highway travel. Given the relatively short duration and distance, it's an accessible option for a quick journey across the state.
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
117.1 miles from Kansas City, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m 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
George Brett Super Highway
6.9 mi
9m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
5.6 mi
6m
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
1.9 mi
2m
Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway
1.8 mi
2m
I 270
1.7 mi
2m
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
1.6 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 Kansas City, MO and Maryland Heights, MO.
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 232Toward I 270: Chicago, MemphisUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 270 South: MemphisUse the slight right lane.
18
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·10 sec·this road
Exit 232Toward I 270 South: Memphis
19
Merge onto I 270
1.7 mi·2 min·I 270
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 17Toward Dorsett RoadUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
189 ft·6 sec
Toward Central Methodist University, Dorsett RoadUse the left / right lanes.
22
Turn slight left onto Dorsett Road
0.9 mi·1 min·Dorsett Road
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto Schuetz Road
0.2 mi·28 sec·Schuetz Road
24
Turn left onto Fee Fee Road
0.2 mi·36 sec·Fee Fee Road
25
Arrive at destination
Fee Fee Road
Trip Plan
With a drive time under 5 hours and a fuel cost estimated at $37, this is a straightforward same-day trip from Kansas City to Maryland Heights. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. There's only one recommended stop, so plan it strategically along the 157.4-mile stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. Given the 'turn-heavy' nature, paying close attention to your GPS or navigation app is crucial, especially as you approach Maryland Heights. You'll want to be mindful of the highway share being 100% to ensure you're prepared for consistent highway conditions.
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 117.1 miles from Kansas City, MO, or about 2h 9m 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 52 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.1 miles or 2h 9m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Maryland Heights, 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 234.1 miles and 4h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 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 Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 157.4 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 232.9 — 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
8
230.2 mi into trip|~4h 23m 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
230.4 mi into trip|~4h 23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 270 South: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 270 South: Memphis
7
232.7 mi into trip|~4h 26m in
Take the exit toward Dorsett Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 17
Toward Dorsett Road
9
232.9 mi into trip|~4h 26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Central Methodist University, Dorsett Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward Central Methodist University, Dorsett Ro...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.60 one way
$73.20 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$40.18
$80.37
premium
$4.89
$45.05
$90.10
diesel
$5.61
$51.69
$103.37
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: 81.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.2
0
$24.58
$11.24
Efficient EV
58.5
0
$20.48
$9.36
EV Truck/SUV
93.6
1
$32.77
$14.98
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 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
Night
in Kansas City on Saturday
Local time
11:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Maryland Heights, MO
Night
in Maryland Heights on Saturday
Local time
11:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
Columbia, MO
117 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
16 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 29m 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...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
$19
near mile 234.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' with 100% of the journey taking place on highways. You'll experience significant highway driving, with the longest uninterrupted stretch measuring 157.4 miles on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. While primarily highway, the 'turn-heavy' description suggests you'll encounter more frequent changes in direction or road numbers than a simple point-to-point interstate cruise. Be prepared for a driving experience that requires attention to navigation as you transition between different named highways like the U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway and the George Brett Super Highway.
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?
8/10
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 East 12th Street.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 234.1 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: near the start (East 12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 230.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 230.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 29m. Total distance: 234.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 29m 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 Maryland Heights, 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 230.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 230.4 miles: 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 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Maryland Heights, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.
