Kearney, MO to Saint Peters, MO is 224.2 miles and takes about 4h 28m via Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest region, specifically within Missouri, offering a straightforward journey between two points. The route is characterized by a mix of highway travel and more local road segments, suggesting a drive that requires attention to your surroundings. With a recommended one-day trip duration and a modest fuel cost, this route is a practical option for a single-day excursion.
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
112.1 miles from Kearney, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 17m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
114.4 mi
2h 13m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
54.4 mi
58m
South Spartan Drive
24.5 mi
30m
Isley Boulevard
13.5 mi
19m
MO 92
7.1 mi
10m
MO 10
2.6 mi
3m
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
1.9 mi
2m
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
1.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 114.4 mi, about 2h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney, MO and Saint Peters, MO.
1
Start on MO 33
46 ft·6 sec·South Jefferson Street
2
Turn right onto MO 92
7.1 mi·10 min·MO 92
3
Turn right onto US 69
0.5 mi·58 sec·US 69
4
Turn left onto MO 10 Spur
0.8 mi·1 min·North Jesse James Road
5
Turn left onto Miller Avenue
0.2 mi·27 sec·Miller Avenue
6
Continue on Dunbar Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Dunbar Avenue
7
Turn left onto Beverly Street
296 ft·8 sec·Beverly Street
8
Turn slight right onto Cliff Drive
252 ft·6 sec·Cliff Drive
9
Continue on North Kansas City Avenue
0.3 mi·43 sec·North Kansas City Avenue
10
Turn left onto West Broadway Street
0.4 mi·1 min·West Broadway Street
11
Turn right onto Saratoga Street
0.1 mi·21 sec·Saratoga Street
12
Merge onto MO 10
13 mi·19 min·Isley Boulevard
13
Turn left onto MO 10
2.6 mi·3 min·MO 10
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward MO 13: Polo, Henrietta
15
Keep slight right at fork
157 ft·4 sec
Toward MO 13 South: Henrietta
16
Merge onto MO 13
25 mi·30 min·South Spartan Drive
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 70 East, US 40 East: Columbia
18
Merge onto I 70; US 40
20 mi·21 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
19
Continue on I 70; US 40
32 mi·34 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
22 mi·24 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
21
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi·2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
22
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi·1 min·Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
23
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.9 mi·2 min·Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
24
Continue on I 70; US 40
93 mi·1 hr 49 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·19 sec
Exit 222AToward Mid Rivers Mall DriveUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork
205 ft·4 sec
Toward Mid Rivers Mall DriveUse the slight left lane.
27
Turn straight onto Mid Rivers Mall Drive
198 ft·5 sec·Mid Rivers Mall Drive
28
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·20 sec
Toward I 70 West: WentzvilleUse the slight left lane.
29
Merge onto I 70
479 ft·6 sec·I 70
30
Arrive at destination
I 70
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 28m estimated drive time and 224.2-mile distance, departing in the morning will allow ample time to reach Saint Peters, MO, well before evening. The route's 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you should anticipate frequent changes in direction and speed, so plan for slightly longer travel times than pure highway driving might suggest. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $35, you can be flexible with your timing, but it's wise to fuel up before leaving Kearney, MO, as the longest stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway is over 100 miles and finding services might be less frequent. Keep an eye on your navigation system, especially as you approach Saint Peters, to ensure you're on the correct local roads.
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 112.1 miles from Kearney, MO, or about 2h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 114.4 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 49 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.1 miles or 2h 17m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Peters, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO
This is one driving day of about 224.2 miles and 4h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Kearney, 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 114.4 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 26.1 and 223.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
26.1 mi into trip|~40m in
Take the exit toward MO 13: Polo, Henrietta
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MO 13: Polo, Henrietta
7
51 mi into trip|~1h 11m in
Take the exit toward I 70 East, US 40 East: Columbia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 70 East, US 40 East: Columbia
7
223.6 mi into trip|~4h 27m in
Take the exit toward Mid Rivers Mall Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 222A
Toward Mid Rivers Mall Drive
8
223.8 mi into trip|~4h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Mid Rivers Mall Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Mid Rivers Mall Drive
6
223.8 mi into trip|~4h 28m in
Take the ramp toward I 70 West: Wentzville
Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 70 West: Wentzville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.05 one way
$70.10 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$38.48
$76.97
premium
$4.89
$43.15
$86.29
diesel
$5.61
$49.50
$99.00
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.3
0
$23.54
$10.76
Efficient EV
56.1
0
$19.62
$8.97
EV Truck/SUV
89.7
1
$31.39
$14.35
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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 20, 2026
Origin
Kearney, MO
Late night
in Kearney on Tuesday
Local time
4:21 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Saint Peters, MO
Late night
in Saint Peters on Tuesday
Local time
4:21 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
New Franklin, MO
112 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
8 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 28m 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...
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
$19
near mile 224.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is described as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' indicating that you'll navigate a fair number of intersections and potentially varying speed limits. While it features highway driving, with 5% of the total journey on highways, the majority of the miles will likely involve more localized road conditions. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 114.4 miles on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, offering a significant period of more consistent travel before transitioning to more varied road types. Be prepared for a driving experience that requires continuous engagement, as you'll be adjusting to different road characteristics throughout the 224.2-mile trip.
Only 5% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 114.4 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 26.1 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 19 significant decision points across 224.2 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 26.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 223.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Kearney, MO to Saint Peters, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Henrietta along the way.
Henrietta
26.1 mi in|~40m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 28m. Total distance: 224.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 114.4 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 Saint Peters, 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 26.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 223.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Saint Peters, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.
