Origin
Nixa, MO
Night in Nixa on Saturday
Local time
11:15 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Nixa, MO to Blue Springs, MO
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 38m
Distance
171.3 mi
276 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 26m
★
6 AM
3h 39m
8 AM
4h 4m
10 AM
3h 47m
12 PM
3h 45m
3 PM
3h 49m
5 PM
4h 2m
8 PM
3h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Nixa, MO
Valeria Boltneva
Blue Springs, MO
卓浩 虞
Trip Overview
This 171.3-mile drive from Nixa, MO, to Blue Springs, MO, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking about 3 hours and 38 minutes. You'll be spending 93% of your time on highways, making it an efficient trip for those looking to get from point A to point B without many detours. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $27, which is quite budget-friendly for a drive of this length. Considering the relatively short duration and highway nature, this trip is ideal as a day trip, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination. Both Nixa and Blue Springs are located in the Midwest region of the United States, offering a familiar landscape throughout your travels.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
85.6 miles from Nixa, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Kansas Expressway | 87.3 mi | 1h 43m |
| MO 7 | 39.2 mi | 43m |
| MO 291 | 14.5 mi | 21m |
| MO 58 | 8.5 mi | 11m |
| MO 13 | 7.8 mi | 14m |
| North Massey Boulevard | 6.5 mi | 9m |
| Southwest Woods Chapel Road | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Corporal M.E. Webster Memorial Parkway | 1.5 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
North Kansas Expressway
— 87.3 mi, about 1h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nixa, MO and Blue Springs, MO.
1
Start on this road
59 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto MO 14
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Mount Vernon Street
3
Turn right onto US 160; MO 13
6.5 mi
·
9 min
·
North Massey Boulevard
4
Turn left onto US 160; MO 13
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
US 160; MO 13
Toward US 60 West, US 160 West, MO 13 North: Republic
5
Merge onto US 60; US 160; MO 13
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
James River Freeway
6
Take the exit onto MO 13
7.8 mi
·
14 min
·
MO 13
Toward MO 13 North
7
Continue on MO 13
87 mi
·
1 hr 43 min
·
North Kansas Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Continue on MO 7
36 mi
·
39 min
·
MO 7
9
Take the exit onto MO 7
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
MO 7
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Exit 160
Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
11
Keep slight right at fork
243 ft
·
6 sec
Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
12
Merge onto MO 291
8.3 mi
·
12 min
·
MO 291
13
Turn slight left onto MO 58; MO 291
8.5 mi
·
11 min
·
MO 58; MO 291
14
Take the exit onto MO 291
0.6 mi
·
52 sec
·
MO 291
Toward US 50 East, MO 291 North: Sedalia
15
Take the exit onto MO 291
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
MO 291
Toward MO 291 North: Independence, Hamblen Road
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn left
300 ft
·
7 sec
17
Continue on MO 291
5.4 mi
·
8 min
·
MO 291
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Exit 12
Toward Woods Chapel Road
Use the slight right lane.
19
Turn right onto Northeast Woods Chapel Road
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Northeast Woods Chapel Road
20
Continue on Southwest Woods Chapel Road
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Southwest Woods Chapel Road
21
Turn right onto US 40
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Corporal M.E. Webster Memorial Parkway
22
Turn left onto Southwest 15th Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest 15th Street
23
Arrive at destination
Southwest 15th Street
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just under 3 hours and 40 minutes, this is a very manageable drive, so you have the flexibility to leave whenever is most convenient. You'll encounter just one recommended stop point, and given the relatively short distance, you might not even need it. The longest stretch without a change in major road is 87.3 miles on the North Kansas Expressway, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge before embarking on that segment. The $27 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to double-check current prices. Since it's a focused highway drive, ensure your vehicle is in good condition for consistent speeds.
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 85.6 miles from Nixa, MO, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.3 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 38 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.6 miles or 1h 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 51m
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 Nixa, 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 Nixa, MO
This is one driving day of about 171.3 miles and 3h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Nixa, 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 North Kansas Expressway for about 87.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 85.6 miles from Nixa, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before North Kansas Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 87.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 6.9 and 165.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
6.9 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
US 160; MO 13
Turn left onto US 160; MO 13 toward US 60 West, US 160 West, MO 13 North: Republic
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 60 West, US 160 West, MO 13 North: Re...
5
139.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
|
MO 7
Take the exit onto MO 7 toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kan...
6
142.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
7
160 mi into trip
|
~3h 19m in
|
MO 291
Take the exit onto MO 291 toward MO 291 North: Independence, Hamblen Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward MO 291 North: Independence, Hamblen Road
7
165.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
Take the exit toward Woods Chapel Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 12
Toward Woods Chapel Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.78 one way
$53.56 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $29.40 | $58.81 |
| premium | $4.89 | $32.97 | $65.93 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.82 | $75.64 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.4 | 0 | $17.99 | $8.22 |
| Efficient EV | 42.8 | 0 | $14.99 | $6.85 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.5 | 0 | $23.98 | $10.96 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Blue Springs, MO
Night in Blue Springs on Saturday
Local time
11:15 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
80°F
Warsaw, MO
86 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
18 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
3h 38m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
National Battlefield
Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and where the first Union general was killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focuse...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 5.9
Caution: BE AWARE OF HIGH-WATER DANGER
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 93% of the drive utilizing major roadways. The majority of your travel will be along the North Kansas Expressway, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch at 87.3 miles. This suggests a consistent pace and minimal slowdowns for much of the journey. You'll transition onto MO 7 and then MO 291, which will likely maintain a similar highway feel, allowing for a steady and predictable drive. The character is less about scenic byways and more about efficient travel between these two Missouri locations.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87.3 mi on North Kansas Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Kansas Expressway and MO 7. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.9 miles in near US 160; MO 13.
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 13 significant decision points across 171.3 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 6.9 miles (US 160; MO 13): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 139.1 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 38m. Total distance: 171.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 87.3 miles on North Kansas Expressway. 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.9 miles (US 160; MO 13): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 139.1 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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