Origin
Saint Charles, MO
Night in Saint Charles on Saturday
Local time
11:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Saint Charles, MO to Bolivar, MO
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 13m
Distance
210.1 mi
338 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 0m
★
6 AM
4h 13m
8 AM
4h 40m
10 AM
4h 23m
12 PM
4h 20m
3 PM
4h 24m
5 PM
4h 38m
8 PM
4h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Saint Charles, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Bolivar, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on the 210.1-mile journey from Saint Charles, MO, to Bolivar, MO, will take you approximately 4 hours and 13 minutes of driving time. This route is best suited for a single day trip, especially given its manageable duration and the estimated fuel cost of $33. You'll navigate through local streets and highways, experiencing a more turn-heavy drive rather than long stretches of interstate. This trip stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel throughout your drive. Plan for one stop along the way to break up the drive and refuel.
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
105.1 miles from Saint Charles, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 2m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor | 143 mi | 2h 35m |
| MO 32 | 40.8 mi | 57m |
| I 270 | 10.9 mi | 13m |
| West Commercial Street | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| I 70 | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| Dougherty Ferry Road | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| South Fifth Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| South Jefferson Avenue | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
— 143 mi, about 2h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Charles, MO and Bolivar, MO.
1
Start on North Second Street
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
North Second Street
2
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
·
Jefferson Street
3
Turn left onto MO 94
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Fifth Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Toward I 70 East
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Merge onto I 70
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
I 70
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
12 sec
Exit 232
Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 270 South: Memphis
Use the slight right lane.
8
Continue on this road
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
this road
Exit 232
Toward I 270 South: Memphis
9
Merge onto I 270
11 mi
·
13 min
·
I 270
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 8
Toward Dougherty Ferry Road
Use the slight right lane.
11
Turn right onto Dougherty Ferry Road
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Dougherty Ferry Road
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on Forest Avenue
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Forest Avenue
13
Turn left onto MO 141
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
MO 141
14
Take the exit
105 ft
·
3 sec
15
Turn right onto North Highway Drive
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
North Highway Drive
16
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
Toward I 44 West, US 50 West: Rolla
17
Merge onto I 44; US 50
143 mi
·
2 hr 35 min
·
Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 129
Toward MO 32, MO 5, MO 64: Hartville
19
Turn right onto MO 5; MO 32; MO 64
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Jefferson Avenue
20
Turn left onto West Commercial Street
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
West Commercial Street
Use the left lane.
21
Continue on MO 32
41 mi
·
57 min
·
MO 32
22
Arrive at destination
MO 32
Trip Plan
Consider an early morning departure from Saint Charles to make the most of your day and arrive in Bolivar with ample daylight. With a total duration of just over 4 hours, this trip is easily accomplished in one day, offering flexibility for stops. Pace yourself with one planned stop to stretch your legs and grab a refreshment. Keep an eye on your navigation, as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll be making frequent turns. The estimated fuel cost of $33 is a good benchmark for budgeting this trip.
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 105.1 miles from Saint Charles, MO, or about 2h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 143 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 46 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.1 miles or 2h 2m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bolivar, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Saint Charles, 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 Charles, MO
This is one driving day of about 210.1 miles and 4h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Saint Charles, 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 Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor for about 143 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
105 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 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 105.1 miles from Saint Charles, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 143 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 155 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 163.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
MO 94 / South Fifth Street
Turn left onto MO 94 / South Fifth Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
4.3 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the exit toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis
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 232
Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis
7
4.5 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 270 South: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 270 South: Memphis
7
16 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Take the exit toward Dougherty Ferry Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 8
Toward Dougherty Ferry Road
6
163.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 6m in
Take the exit toward MO 32, MO 5, MO 64: Hartville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 129
Toward MO 32, MO 5, MO 64: Hartville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.85 one way
$65.69 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
74 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $36.06 | $72.13 |
| premium | $4.89 | $40.43 | $80.86 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $46.39 | $92.77 |
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: 73.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 63 | 0 | $22.06 | $10.08 |
| Efficient EV | 52.5 | 0 | $18.38 | $8.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 84 | 1 | $29.41 | $13.45 |
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% 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
Bolivar, MO
Night in Bolivar on Saturday
Local time
11:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
75°F
Cuba, MO
105 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 13m 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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
$19
near mile 14.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a turn-heavy local drive, meaning you'll encounter frequent changes in direction rather than a monotonous interstate experience. With a 0% highway share, expect to be on local roads for the entire 210.1 miles. The profile suggests a route that requires consistent attention to navigation, with numerous turns to keep you engaged. While there isn't a defined longest uninterrupted stretch, the constant need to adjust your course is the defining characteristic of this drive.
Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 143 mi on Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 around 0.4 miles in near MO 94 / South Fifth Street.
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 15 significant decision points across 210.1 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 0.4 miles (MO 94 / South Fifth Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 13m. Total distance: 210.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 143 miles on Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor. 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 Bolivar, 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 0.4 miles (MO 94 / South Fifth Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Bolivar, 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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