Spanning 292.2 miles across Missouri, this trek from Saint Ann to Saint Joseph is a straightforward journey through the heart of the Midwest. You can expect to spend about 5 hours and 33 minutes behind the wheel, making it a manageable, albeit long, day trip for most drivers. With a fuel budget of approximately $44, it is an economical way to traverse the state. The path primarily utilizes a combination of I-70, I-29, and I-435 to connect your starting point to your final destination. Since you are staying within the same region, the transition between these two Missouri hubs is seamless and practical.
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
146.1 miles from Saint Ann, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
217.3 mi
4h 6m
I 29
26 mi
27m
I 435
20.9 mi
22m
Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
7.8 mi
9m
I 229
5.7 mi
6m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
5.6 mi
6m
Saint Charles Rock Road
2 mi
3m
Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway
1.8 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 217.3 mi, about 4h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Ann, MO and Saint Joseph, MO.
Exit 8BToward I 435 North, US 24 East: Des MoinesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 435; US 24
7.8 mi·9 min·Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
11
Continue on I435 N
1.3 mi·1 min·I435 N
12
Continue on I 435
21 mi·22 min·I 435
13
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
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·54 sec
Exit 43Toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
15
Continue on I 229
5.7 mi·6 min·I 229
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 6AToward Central Business District
17
Continue on Edmond Street
0.5 mi·57 sec·Edmond Street
18
Turn left onto I 29 Business
0.2 mi·20 sec·South 10th Street
19
Turn right onto I 29 Business
379 ft·6 sec·Frederick Avenue
20
Turn slight right onto Walter Welsh Avenue
137 ft·2 sec·Walter Welsh Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
Walter Welsh Avenue
Trip Plan
To keep your energy levels steady, plan for at least one meaningful stop during your 5-hour and 33-minute journey. Given the heavy reliance on I-70 and I-29, traffic patterns near major junctions can fluctuate, so checking for delays before you pull out of Saint Ann is a smart move. Because the longest stretch is over 200 miles, ensure your fuel tank is topped off before you commit to the primary interstate corridor to avoid unnecessary stress. While this trip is easily completed in a single day, the flexibility of the route allows you to adjust your departure time to avoid peak commute hours. Prioritize steady pacing to make the most of the highway-heavy infrastructure.
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 146.1 miles from Saint Ann, MO, or about 2h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 217.3 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 64 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.1 miles or 2h 47m 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 35m
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 Saint Ann, 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 Saint Ann, MO
This is one driving day of about 292.2 miles and 5h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Saint Ann, 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 70 for about 217.3 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 10
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.1 and 285 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
2.1 mi into trip|~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 70 West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 70 West
5
2.4 mi into trip|~4m in|I 70
Merge onto I 70
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
227.9 mi into trip|~4h 20m in
Take the exit toward I 435 North, US 24 East: Des Moines
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.
Exit 8B
Toward I 435 North, US 24 East: Des Moines
6
259 mi into trip|~4h 56m 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
5
285 mi into trip|~5h 24m in
Take the exit toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 43
Toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.68 one way
$91.36 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$50.16
$100.31
premium
$4.89
$56.23
$112.46
diesel
$5.61
$64.51
$129.03
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.7
1
$30.68
$14.03
Efficient EV
73.1
0
$25.57
$11.69
EV Truck/SUV
116.9
1
$40.91
$18.70
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% 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 Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Saint Ann, MO
Late night
in Saint Ann on Sunday
Local time
2:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Saint Joseph, MO
Late night
in Saint Joseph on Sunday
Local time
2:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
Columbia, MO
146 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
5h 33m 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 trip is a quintessential highway-focused drive, with 93% of your time spent on major interstates. You will settle into a steady rhythm early on, as the route features a significant 217.3-mile stretch on I-70. While the high percentage of interstate driving ensures efficiency, you should be prepared for the consistent pace that comes with such long, uninterrupted segments. As you transition between the primary highways, the drive maintains a predictable character that prioritizes speed and directness over technical maneuvers. Expect a functional, high-speed experience that gets you from point A to point B with minimal deviation.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 217.3 mi on I 70.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and I 29. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 292.2 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles (I 70): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 227.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 33m. Total distance: 292.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 33m 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 217.3 miles on I 70. 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles (I 70): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 227.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 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.
