Oakville, MO to Liberty, MO is 252 miles and takes about 4h 57m via Cliff Cave Road, Telegraph Road, and MO 231, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Missouri, traversing the Midwest region. Expect a route primarily on surface roads, which means you'll be moving at a more relaxed pace than highway travel. It's a straightforward drive, suitable for a single-day excursion if you're looking for a direct way to get between these two points without extensive highway time.
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
126 miles from Oakville, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 34m 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
MO 291
13.7 mi
19m
I 270
12 mi
15m
I 255
2.2 mi
2m
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 80.7 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 42 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,518 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,027
Quietest
1 AM
~240 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Oakville, MO and Liberty, MO.
1
Start on this road
120 ft·13 sec·this road
2
Turn left
130 ft·15 sec
3
Turn left onto Cliff Cave Road
171 ft·7 sec·Cliff Cave Road
4
Turn slight right
160 ft·3 sec
Toward MO 231
5
Turn slight right onto MO 231
1.7 mi·3 min·Telegraph Road
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·55 sec
Toward I 255 West, US 50 West: Memphis
7
Merge onto I 255; US 50
2.2 mi·2 min·I 255; US 50
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on I 270
12 mi·15 min·I 270
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 12Toward I 64, US 40, US 61: Wentzville, Saint LouisUse the slight right lane.
10
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.
11
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·9 sec·this road
Exit 12Toward I 64 West, US 40 West, US 61 North: Wentzville
12
Merge onto I 64; US 40; US 61
25 mi·30 min·Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight lane.
13
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.
14
Merge onto I 70; US 40
81 mi·1 hr 35 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
15
Continue on I 70; US 40
2.0 mi·2 min·Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
16
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi·1 min·Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
17
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi·2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
18
Continue on I 70; US 40
54 mi·58 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
Exit 15BToward MO 291 North: LibertyUse the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto MO 291
14 mi·19 min·MO 291
23
Turn slight right
409 ft·8 sec
24
Turn slight right onto South Leonard Street
0.6 mi·1 min·South Leonard Street
25
Turn left onto East Mill Street
0.1 mi·23 sec·East Mill Street
26
Turn right onto South Water Street
502 ft·32 sec·South Water Street
27
Turn right onto East Kansas Street
89 ft·5 sec·East Kansas Street
28
Arrive at destination
East Kansas Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 57m duration and 252-mile length, this trip is easily doable in one day. Aim to depart in the morning to allow ample time for the drive and any unscheduled stops you might need. With a fuel cost estimated at $39, it's a budget-friendly option. Since you'll be on surface roads for the entirety of the trip, pay close attention to posted speed limits and watch for frequent changes as you pass through different communities. Plan for one primary stop to break up the drive, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs and refuel if necessary.
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 126 miles from Oakville, MO, or about 2h 34m 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 55 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 126 miles or 2h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Liberty, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Oakville, 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 Oakville, MO
This is one driving day of about 252 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Oakville, 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.
The midpoint is around 126 miles from Oakville, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Dwight D Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80.7 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 236.9 — 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|Cliff Cave Road
Turn left onto Cliff Cave Road
Navigation decision point
8
16.3 mi into trip|~22m 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
16.4 mi into trip|~23m 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
42.4 mi into trip|~54m 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
7
236.9 mi into trip|~4h 33m in
Take the exit toward MO 291 North: Liberty
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15B
Toward MO 291 North: Liberty
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.07 one way
$78.14 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$42.84
$85.68
premium
$4.93
$48.89
$97.78
diesel
$5.60
$55.55
$111.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.6
0
$26.46
$12.10
Efficient EV
63
0
$22.05
$10.08
EV Truck/SUV
100.8
1
$35.28
$16.13
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 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 Aug 18, 2026
Origin
Oakville, MO
Night
in Oakville on Saturday
Local time
10:59 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Mostly Clear
SW 1 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued August 18 at 3:11AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 17 at 12:53PM CDT until August 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
Destination
Liberty, MO
Night
in Liberty on Saturday
Local time
10:59 PM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Partly Cloudy
SSE 3 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued August 18 at 3:11AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 17 at 12:53PM CDT until August 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
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
3 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 57m 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 drive is entirely on surface roads, with a 0% highway share. You'll be navigating local streets and two-lane highways for the entire 252 miles, which will take approximately 4 hours and 57 minutes. The absence of highway driving means you should anticipate frequent intersections and varying speed limits as you pass through towns and rural areas. Be prepared for a steady pace with fewer opportunities for high-speed cruising.
Only 11% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
28 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?
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 Cliff Cave Road.
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 16 significant decision points across 252 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 (Cliff Cave Road): Navigation decision point; at 16.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
906 ft558 ft
Total Climb
683 ft
Total Descent
401 ft
Highest Point
906 ft
~234 mi in
Elevation Range
348 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 Oakville, MO to Liberty, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Louis along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 57m. Total distance: 252 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 57m 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.
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 Liberty, 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 (Cliff Cave Road): Navigation decision point; at 16.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.4 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 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Liberty, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.
