Saint Charles, MO to Cassville, MO is 276.2 miles and takes about 5h 29m via Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor and US 60, with a fuel budget near $49 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you through the Midwest region of Missouri, primarily on surface roads for a significant portion of the drive. It's a straightforward, one-day option if you're looking for a direct connection between these two points in the state. Plan for a steady pace, as the bulk of the mileage is on non-interstate highways.
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
138.1 miles from Saint Charles, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
201.8 mi
3h 39m
US 60
20.3 mi
29m
State Highway 248
14.1 mi
19m
State Highway 39
12.1 mi
16m
I 270
10.9 mi
13m
MO B
3.9 mi
6m
I 70
2.7 mi
3m
Dougherty Ferry Road
2.5 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
— 201.8 mi, about 3h 39m
Traffic on I-44
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,711 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,202
Quietest
2 AM
~187 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.1×
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 Saint Charles, MO and Cassville, 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 EastUse 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 232Toward I 270: Chicago, MemphisUse the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 270 South: MemphisUse the slight right lane.
8
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·10 sec·this road
Exit 232Toward 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 8Toward Dougherty Ferry RoadUse 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
202 mi·3 hr 39 min·Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 70Toward MO MM, MO B
19
Turn left onto MO B; MO MM
3.9 mi·6 min·MO B; MO MM
20
Continue on this road
314 ft·11 sec·this road
21
Turn straight onto US 60; MO 413
9.0 mi·13 min·US 60; MO 413
22
Continue on US 60; MO 14; MO 413
1.2 mi·1 min·Southwest Elm Street
23
Continue on US 60; MO 413
5.3 mi·7 min·US 60; MO 413
24
Continue on US 60; MO 265
6.0 mi·9 min·US 60; MO 265
25
Turn left onto MO 39
1.5 mi·2 min·South Elliott Avenue
26
Continue on MO 39
12 mi·16 min·State Highway 39
27
Turn right onto MO 248
14 mi·19 min·State Highway 248
28
At end of road, turn right onto MO 76; MO 86; MO 112
0.2 mi·23 sec·MO 76; MO 86; MO 112
29
Turn left
52 ft·5 sec
30
Turn right
50 ft·3 sec
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 29-minute estimated drive time, starting in the morning from Saint Charles will allow you to reach Cassville well before evening. With only one recommended stop implied by the data, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you transition to surface roads, as stations might be less frequent. Aim to fill up before embarking on the longest stretch of the Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor to ensure a smooth drive.
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 138.1 miles from Saint Charles, MO, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 201.8 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 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.1 miles or 2h 39m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cassville, 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 276.2 miles and 5h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 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 201.8 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 222.6 — 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
222.6 mi into trip|~4h 10m in
Take the exit toward MO MM, MO B
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 70
Toward MO MM, MO B
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.92 one way
$91.84 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg97 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$50.02
$100.04
premium
$5.18
$56.36
$112.72
diesel
$5.35
$58.18
$116.35
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: 96.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.9
1
$29.00
$13.26
Efficient EV
69.1
0
$24.17
$11.05
EV Truck/SUV
110.5
1
$38.67
$17.68
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Saint Charles, MO
Afternoon
in Saint Charles on Wednesday
Local time
3:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 2 to 6 mph79% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 8:35PM CDT until June 2 at 10:02PM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 8:31PM CDT until June 3 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Destination
Cassville, MO
Afternoon
in Cassville on Wednesday
Local time
3:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Partly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 8:35PM CDT until June 2 at 10:02PM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 8:31PM CDT until June 3 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill 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
5h 29m 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...
3 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 228.6
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 mostly surface roads, with only about 22% of the total 276.2 miles on highways. You'll experience a long stretch of 201.8 miles on the Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor before transitioning to US 60 and then State Highway 248. Expect to encounter more local traffic and fewer exits once you leave the limited highway sections, transitioning into more rural cruising.
Only 22% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 201.8 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 Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 276.2 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 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,468 ft429 ft
Total Climb
1,427 ft
Total Descent
611 ft
Highest Point
1,468 ft
~256.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,039 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 Saint Charles, MO to Cassville, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Mo B along the way.
Mo B
222.6 mi in|~4h 10m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
St. Charles, Missouri is outside of St. Louis on the bank of the Missouri River. It was Missouri's first state capital and was one of the first stops by Lewis and Clark on their journey to explore Louisiana Territory. The historic Main Street has largely been restored to its 1812-era appearance including gas lights a boardwalk and is lined with shops selling artwork, handicrafts, home decorations, antiques. There are also many restaurants.
Top landmarks
•First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site — historic site in Missouri, United States
•African Church — church building in Missouri, United States of America
•Frenchtown Historic District — historic district in St. Charles County, Missouri
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 29m. Total distance: 276.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 201.8 miles on Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 20 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 Cassville, 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 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 — Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cassville, MO before the return drive.
