Roubidoux to Saint Joseph is 279.4 miles and takes about 6h 8m via MO 7 and I 29, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Missouri, taking you through the Midwest region. With 92% of the route on highways, expect a fairly direct path. This trip is best suited for a single-day drive, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
139.7 miles from Roubidoux, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MO 7
142.8 mi
3h 3m
I 29
40.2 mi
44m
MO 17
29.5 mi
42m
MO 5
24.9 mi
29m
I 44
9.9 mi
10m
US Historic 66
6.3 mi
8m
I 229
5.7 mi
6m
MO F
4.6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
MO 7
— 142.8 mi, about 3h 3m
Traffic on I-29
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,269 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,738
Quietest
2 AM
~208 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 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 Roubidoux, MO and Saint Joseph, MO.
1
Start on Flat Rock Road
0.1 mi·27 sec·Flat Rock Road
2
Turn left onto Roubidoux Road
310 ft·13 sec·Roubidoux Road
3
Turn slight right onto Gladden Road
3.0 mi·11 min·Gladden Road
4
At end of road, turn right onto MO M
0.8 mi·2 min·MO M
5
Turn left onto MO 17; MO 32
29 mi·42 min·MO 17; MO 32
6
Turn left
176 ft·8 sec
7
Turn left onto US Historic 66; MO AB
6.3 mi·8 min·US Historic 66; MO AB
8
Turn right onto MO AB
226 ft·3 sec·MO AB
9
Continue on MO 133
0.1 mi·17 sec·MO 133
10
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I 44 West: Springfield
11
Merge onto I 44
9.9 mi·10 min·I 44
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 135Toward MO F: Sleeper
13
Turn right onto MO F; US Historic 66
2.3 mi·4 min·MO F; US Historic 66
14
Turn slight left onto MO F
2.3 mi·4 min·MO F
15
Continue on MO BB
2.4 mi·4 min·MO BB
16
At end of road, turn right onto MO 5
25 mi·29 min·MO 5
17
Turn left onto MO 7
37 mi·53 min·MO 7
18
Take the exit onto MO 7
0.3 mi·33 sec·MO 7
Toward MO 7 North: Warsaw, Clinton
19
Turn left onto MO 7
28 mi·38 min·MO 7
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on MO 7; MO 13; MO 52
39 mi·44 min·MO 7; MO 13; MO 52
21
Take the exit onto MO 7
38 mi·45 min·MO 7
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·25 sec
Toward 11th Street, DowntownUse the slight right lane.
23
Turn straight onto East 11th Street
425 ft·16 sec·East 11th Street
Use the left lane.
24
Turn right onto Charlotte Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Charlotte Street
25
Turn left onto East 9th Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·East 9th Street
26
Turn right onto Locust Street
0.1 mi·17 sec·Locust Street
27
Continue on MO 9
3.0 mi·5 min·MO 9
28
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 9
0.9 mi·1 min·MO 9
Toward MO 9 North: Riverside, Parkville
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward US 169 North: Smithville
30
Continue on US 169
1.2 mi·1 min·US 169
31
Take the exit
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward I 29 North, US 71 North: K.C.I. Airport, Saint JosephUse the straight / slight left lanes.
32
Merge onto I 29; US 71
12 mi·13 min·I 29; US 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Merge onto I 29; I 435; US 71
2.7 mi·2 min·I 29; I 435; US 71
34
Keep slight left at fork onto I 29; US 71
26 mi·27 min·I 29; US 71
Toward I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
35
Take the exit
0.5 mi·54 sec
Exit 43Toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
36
Continue on I 229
5.7 mi·6 min·I 229
37
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 6AToward Central Business District
38
Continue on Edmond Street
0.5 mi·57 sec·Edmond Street
39
Turn left onto I 29 Business
0.2 mi·20 sec·South 10th Street
40
Turn right onto I 29 Business
379 ft·6 sec·Frederick Avenue
41
Turn slight right onto Walter Welsh Avenue
137 ft·2 sec·Walter Welsh Avenue
42
Arrive at destination
Walter Welsh Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour duration, departing in the morning will ensure you arrive with ample daylight. Plan for one stop to break up the drive, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longer highway stretches, as services can be spaced out. The $41 fuel estimate is a good baseline for budgeting, but always check prices in the areas you'll be traveling through. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule based on traffic or your pace.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 139.7 miles from Roubidoux, MO, or about 3h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.8 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 61 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 139.7 miles or 3h 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Joseph, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Roubidoux, 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 Roubidoux, MO
This is one driving day of about 279.4 miles and 6h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Roubidoux, 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 MO 7 for about 142.8 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 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 187.2 and 246.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
187.2 mi into trip|~4h 17m 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. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kan...
7
225.2 mi into trip|~5h 2m in
Take the exit toward 11th Street, Downtown
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 11th Street, Downtown
6
229.1 mi into trip|~5h 10m in|MO 9
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 9 toward MO 9 North: Riverside, Parkville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MO 9 North: Riverside, Parkville
7
231.5 mi into trip|~5h 13m in
Take the exit toward I 29 North, US 71 North: K.C.I. Airport, Saint Joseph
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.
Toward I 29 North, US 71 North: K.C.I. Airport,...
6
246.2 mi into trip|~5h 31m in|I 29; US 71
Keep slight left at fork onto I 29; US 71 toward I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.61 one way
$93.21 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$50.66
$101.31
premium
$5.26
$57.85
$115.70
diesel
$6.18
$67.97
$135.94
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
83.8
1
$29.34
$13.41
Efficient EV
69.9
0
$24.45
$11.18
EV Truck/SUV
111.8
1
$39.12
$17.88
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Oct 16, 2026
Origin
Roubidoux, MO
Morning
in Roubidoux on Saturday
Local time
6:23 AM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
NW 15 to 18 mph11% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued October 16 at 1:51AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Destination
Saint Joseph, MO
Morning
in Saint Joseph on Saturday
Local time
6:23 AM
CDT
Current temp
44°F
Partly Cloudy
NW 16 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued October 16 at 1:51AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
55°F
Lincoln, MO
140 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
9 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
6h 8m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 92% of the 279.4 miles on interstates and major roads. You'll experience highway cruising for a significant stretch, including a 142.8-mile segment on MO 7. The transition to surface roads will occur later in your trip, as the highway portion concludes.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 142.8 mi on MO 7.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 7 and I 29. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 187.2 miles in near MO 7.
Driving Effort10/10
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 30 significant decision points across 279.4 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 187.2 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 225.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 229.1 miles (MO 9): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,129 ft715 ft
Total Climb
901 ft
Total Descent
1,136 ft
Highest Point
1,129 ft
Elevation Range
414 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Roubidoux, MO and Saint Joseph, MO, road signs point toward Mo F: Sleeper, Clinton, Downtown and Parkville.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 8m. Total distance: 279.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 8m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 142.8 miles on MO 7. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 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 Saint Joseph, 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 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 187.2 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 225.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 229.1 miles (MO 9): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Saint Joseph, MO before the return drive.
