Nixa, MO to Saint Peters, MO is 223.2 miles and takes about 4h 24m via I 44 and Manchester Road, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip keeps you within Missouri, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. The route is primarily highway driving, making it a straightforward option for a single-day excursion. You'll find it to be a practical and efficient way to cover the distance, suitable for those looking for a no-fuss drive.
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
111.6 miles from Nixa, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 44
170.3 mi
3h 3m
Manchester Road
13.4 mi
18m
Schoolcraft Freeway
10.7 mi
13m
MO 109
4.9 mi
7m
Mid Rivers Mall Drive
4.7 mi
9m
MO 94
3.4 mi
4m
Avenue of the Saints
2.7 mi
3m
South Eatherton Road
2.4 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 44
— 170.3 mi, about 3h 3m
Traffic on I-44
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,432 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,709
Quietest
2 AM
~177 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.1×
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 Nixa, MO and Saint Peters, MO.
1
Start on this road
59 ft·6 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto MO 14
1.7 mi·2 min·East Mount Vernon Street
3
Turn left onto North Cheyenne Road
0.6 mi·1 min·North Cheyenne Road
4
Turn right onto East North Road
1.0 mi·1 min·East North Road
5
At end of road, turn left onto Fremont Road
1.5 mi·2 min·Fremont Road
6
Turn right onto MO CC
0.9 mi·1 min·MO CC
7
Turn straight onto MO J
0.1 mi·24 sec·MO J
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward US 65 North: Springfield
9
Merge onto US 65
1.4 mi·1 min·American Legion Memorial Highway
10
Continue on US 65
11 mi·13 min·Schoolcraft Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi·54 sec
Toward I 44 East: Saint Louis
12
Merge onto I 44
170 mi·3 hr 3 min·I 44
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 253Toward I 44 Business, MO 100 East: Gray SummitUse the slight right lane.
14
Turn left onto MO 100
13 mi·18 min·Manchester Road
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward MO 109
16
Enter roundabout onto MO 109
224 ft·4 sec·MO 109
17
Continue on MO 109
515 ft·10 sec·MO 109
18
Enter roundabout onto MO 109
98 ft·1 sec·MO 109
19
Continue on MO 109
0.4 mi·45 sec·MO 109
20
Enter roundabout onto MO 109
94 ft·2 sec·MO 109
21
Continue on MO 109
4.3 mi·6 min·MO 109
22
Enter roundabout onto South Eatherton Road
94 ft·1 sec·South Eatherton Road
23
Continue on South Eatherton Road
2.4 mi·4 min·South Eatherton Road
24
Continue on Olive Street Road
0.9 mi·1 min·Olive Street Road
25
Take the ramp onto Chesterfield Airport Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Chesterfield Airport Road
26
Merge onto I 64; US 40; US 61
2.7 mi·3 min·Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight lane.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Exit 10Toward MO 94: Defiance, Saint CharlesUse the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork
313 ft·4 sec
Toward MO 94 East: Saint CharlesUse the right lane.
29
Merge onto MO 94
3.4 mi·4 min·MO 94
Use the right lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward Mid Rivers Mall Drive, Pitman Hill RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn left onto Mid Rivers Mall Drive
4.7 mi·9 min·Mid Rivers Mall Drive
Use the left / straight lanes.
32
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·20 sec
Toward I 70 West: WentzvilleUse the slight left lane.
33
Merge onto I 70
479 ft·6 sec·I 70
34
Arrive at destination
I 70
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 24m estimated drive time, starting your trip in the morning from Nixa, MO, allows ample time to reach Saint Peters, MO, before evening. With only one recommended stop and a total distance of 223.2 miles, you can easily complete this in a single day. The $34 fuel cost estimate is helpful for budgeting. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 170.3-mile stretch on I 44, as services can be spaced out on longer highway segments. The transition from I 44 to surface roads like Manchester Road will signal the need to adjust your speed and be more aware of local traffic.
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 111.6 miles from Nixa, MO, or about 2h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 170.3 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 49 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.6 miles or 2h 6m 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 23m
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 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 223.2 miles and 4h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 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 I 44 for about 170.3 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.3 and 218 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
3.3 mi into trip|~5m in|Fremont Road
At end of road, turn left onto Fremont Road
Navigation decision point
8
188.9 mi into trip|~3h 29m in
Take the exit toward I 44 Business, MO 100 East: Gray Summit
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 253
Toward I 44 Business, MO 100 East: Gray Summit
8
214.3 mi into trip|~4h 8m in
Take the exit toward MO 94: Defiance, Saint Charles
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 10
Toward MO 94: Defiance, Saint Charles
8
214.5 mi into trip|~4h 8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MO 94 East: Saint Charles
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward MO 94 East: Saint Charles
8
218 mi into trip|~4h 13m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Mid Rivers Mall Drive, Pitman Hill Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Mid Rivers Mall Drive, Pitman Hill Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.96 one way
$65.92 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$36.39
$72.78
premium
$4.72
$41.44
$82.88
diesel
$4.80
$42.14
$84.29
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67
0
$23.44
$10.71
Efficient EV
55.8
0
$19.53
$8.93
EV Truck/SUV
89.3
1
$31.25
$14.28
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Nixa, MO
Late night
in Nixa on Sunday
Local time
5:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 10 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Destination
Saint Peters, MO
Late night
in Saint Peters on Sunday
Local time
5:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 9 mph21% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM 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
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 24m 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.
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...
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 207.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 85% of the 223.2 miles on major roads like I 44. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 170.3 miles on I 44 before transitioning. The final leg will involve surface streets, including Manchester Road and Schoolcraft Freeway, likely with more frequent exits and slower speeds as you approach your destination. Expect a mix of high-speed cruising and more local traffic.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 170.3 mi on I 44.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 44 and Manchester Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.3 miles in near Fremont Road.
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 25 significant decision points across 223.2 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 3.3 miles (Fremont Road): Navigation decision point; at 188.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 214.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 24m. Total distance: 223.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 170.3 miles on I 44. 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 3.3 miles (Fremont Road): Navigation decision point; at 188.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 214.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Saint Peters, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.
