Mehlville, MO to East Independence, MO is 237.9 miles and takes about 4h 38m via Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip keeps you within the Midwest, traversing Missouri for its entirety. Expect a drive that primarily utilizes surface roads, offering a more grounded perspective of the landscape as you travel. With a single recommended stop, this route is well-suited for a straightforward, same-day excursion, making it an efficient way to connect these two points.
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
119 miles from Mehlville, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m 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
54.3 mi
58m
Avenue of the Saints
25.4 mi
30m
I 270
12 mi
15m
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
2 mi
2m
South Little Blue Parkway
1.6 mi
3m
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 21 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,549 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,000
Quietest
1 AM
~241 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Mehlville, MO and East Independence, MO.
1
Start on MO 267
0.4 mi·56 sec·Lemay Ferry Road
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward I 270 WestUse the left lane.
3
Merge onto I 255
0.6 mi·43 sec·I 255
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on I 270
12 mi·15 min·I 270
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 12Toward I 64, US 40, US 61: Wentzville, Saint LouisUse the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward I 64 West, US 40 West, US 61 North: WentzvilleUse the slight left lane.
7
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·9 sec·this road
Exit 12Toward I 64 West, US 40 West, US 61 North: Wentzville
8
Merge onto I 64; US 40; US 61
25 mi·30 min·Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit onto US 40
0.6 mi·1 min·US 40
Exit 1AToward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas CityUse the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Merge onto I 70; US 40
81 mi·1 hr 35 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
11
Continue on I 70; US 40
2.0 mi·2 min·Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
12
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi·1 min·Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
13
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi·2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
14
Continue on I 70; US 40
54 mi·58 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
15
Continue on I 70; US 40
52 mi·56 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 17Toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall EntranceUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn right onto South Little Blue Parkway
1.6 mi·3 min·South Little Blue Parkway
18
Turn left onto East R.D. Mize Road
0.2 mi·37 sec·East R.D. Mize Road
19
Turn right onto South Jackson Drive
1.2 mi·2 min·South Jackson Drive
20
Turn straight onto Holke Road
0.9 mi·2 min·Holke Road
21
Turn left onto East Truman Road
0.7 mi·1 min·East Truman Road
22
Turn right onto Main Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Main Road
23
Turn right onto East 9th Street South
79 ft·3 sec·East 9th Street South
24
Arrive at destination
East 9th Street South
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 38-minute estimated drive time, starting your trip in the morning will allow ample time for any brief stops you might need. The fuel cost estimate of $36 suggests a single fill-up might be sufficient, but it’s always wise to check your gauge. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart when it's most convenient. Keep an eye on the transition from highway to surface roads; planning for a slightly slower pace during the final leg as you enter East Independence will help ensure a smooth arrival.
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 119 miles from Mehlville, MO, or about 2h 23m 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 52 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119 miles or 2h 23m 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 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Independence, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Mehlville, 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 Mehlville, MO
This is one driving day of about 237.9 miles and 4h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Mehlville, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 232.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.4 mi into trip|~0m in
Take the ramp toward I 270 West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 270 West
8
13.2 mi into trip|~17m in
Take the exit toward I 64, US 40, US 61: Wentzville, Saint Louis
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 12
Toward I 64, US 40, US 61: Wentzville, Saint Lo...
8
13.3 mi into trip|~17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 64 West, US 40 West, US 61 North: Wentzville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 64 West, US 40 West, US 61 North: Went...
8
39.3 mi into trip|~49m 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
232.7 mi into trip|~4h 27m in
Take the exit toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall Entrance
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 17
Toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall E...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.13 one way
$70.26 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$38.79
$77.57
premium
$4.72
$44.17
$88.34
diesel
$4.80
$44.92
$89.84
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: 83.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.4
0
$24.98
$11.42
Efficient EV
59.5
0
$20.82
$9.52
EV Truck/SUV
95.2
1
$33.31
$15.23
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Mehlville, MO
Late night
in Mehlville on Sunday
Local time
1:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny
W 8 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:57AM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 4:25AM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Destination
East Independence, MO
Late night
in East Independence on Sunday
Local time
1:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 5 to 8 mph20% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:57AM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 4:25AM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
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
1 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 38m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is largely driven on surface roads, with the highway comprising about 6% of the total mileage. You'll experience a longest stretch of 80.7 miles on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. After this primary highway segment, the drive transitions to surface roads, which will likely mean more frequent intersections and varying speed limits as you approach your destination. This means you'll notice the pace change from more consistent highway cruising to a more stop-and-go pattern.
Only 6% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
24 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 0.4 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
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 237.9 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 0.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
880 ft576 ft
Total Climb
735 ft
Total Descent
514 ft
Highest Point
880 ft
~68 mi in
Elevation Range
304 ft
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 Mehlville, MO to East Independence, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Louis along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 38m. Total distance: 237.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 38m 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 East Independence, 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 0.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at East Independence, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.
