Saint Clair Rest Area (Westbound)
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Saint Charles, MO to Highlandville, MO
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 31m
Distance
235.4 mi
379 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 18m
★
6 AM
4h 31m
8 AM
4h 58m
10 AM
4h 41m
12 PM
4h 38m
3 PM
4h 42m
5 PM
4h 57m
8 PM
4h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Saint Charles, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Highlandville, MO
Bhupal Shrestha
Trip Overview
Saint Charles, MO to Highlandville, MO is 235.4 miles and takes about 4h 31m via Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor, Schoolcraft Freeway, and I 270, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Missouri, taking you from the Midwest's familiar landscapes into the Ozarks region. With only one recommended stop and a predominantly surface road profile, it's a straightforward trip. Consider this route if you're looking for a direct, single-day drive without extensive highway time, offering a taste of Missouri's varied terrain.
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
117.7 miles from Saint Charles, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 16m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor | 189.8 mi | 3h 25m |
| Schoolcraft Freeway | 11 mi | 13m |
| I 270 | 10.9 mi | 13m |
| American Legion Memorial Highway | 10.1 mi | 11m |
| MO EE | 2.9 mi | 7m |
| I 70 | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| Dougherty Ferry Road | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| South Fifth Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
— 189.8 mi, about 3h 25m
Traffic on I-44
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,737 veh/hr typical · worst 2,365
Quietest
2 AM
~188 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Saint Charles, MO and Highlandville, 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
190 mi
·
3 hr 25 min
·
Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
Exit 82A
Toward US 65 South: Branson
19
Merge onto US 65
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Schoolcraft Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on US 65
10 mi
·
11 min
·
American Legion Memorial Highway
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward MO EE: Highlandville
22
Turn right onto MO EE
2.9 mi
·
7 min
·
MO EE
23
Turn right onto Kentling Avenue
0.3 mi
·
59 sec
·
Kentling Avenue
24
Arrive at destination
Kentling Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 31m estimated drive time, starting in the morning from Saint Charles will comfortably get you to Highlandville well before evening. With only one stop suggested, you have flexibility to take breaks as needed or push through with minimal interruptions. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you move onto the longer surface road stretches; the $36 fuel estimate is based on the total distance. The predominantly surface road nature means you'll encounter more local traffic and varying speed limits, so stay aware of your surroundings.
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 117.7 miles from Saint Charles, MO, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 189.8 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 52 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.7 miles or 2h 16m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Highlandville, 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 235.4 miles and 4h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 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 189.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
118 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 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 117.7 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 189.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
TA
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Mr. Fuel
0.1 mi from route
Truck Parking
0.1 mi from route
Truck Parking
0.1 mi from route
Saint Clair Rest Area (Eastbound)
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
ONE9 Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
B&D Auto/Truck Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Conway Rest Area (Eastbound)
0.2 mi from route
Conway Rest Area (Westbound)
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.9 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 16 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Jefferson Street
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
Navigation decision point
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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.27 one way
$78.53 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
82 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $42.68 | $85.36 |
| premium | $5.26 | $48.74 | $97.48 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $57.27 | $114.53 |
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: 82.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 70.6 | 0 | $24.72 | $11.30 |
| Efficient EV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.60 | $9.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 94.2 | 1 | $32.96 | $15.07 |
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Saint Charles, MO
Morning in Saint Charles on Monday
Local time
7:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Patchy Fog then Sunny
S 3 to 7 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Highlandville, MO
Morning in Highlandville on Monday
Local time
7:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Sunny
SE 7 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
79°F
Cuba, MO
118 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
1 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 31m 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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 219.1
View on nps.gov
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
~36 min detour
$19
near mile 16.2
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive features 11% highway driving, meaning much of your time will be spent on surface roads. The longest continuous stretch on the Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor measures 189.8 miles, offering a more rural cruising experience. You'll transition from urban merging around Saint Charles on I 270 and Schoolcraft Freeway onto these more open roadways. Expect to navigate through towns and varying speed limits for a significant portion of the trip.
Only 11% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 189.8 mi on Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor.
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 around 0.2 miles in near Jefferson Street.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 235.4 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 0.2 miles (Jefferson Street): Navigation decision point; 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,486 ft
449 ft
Total Climb
1,514 ft
Total Descent
624 ft
Highest Point
1,486 ft
~201.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,037 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Saint Charles, MO
Full guide →Founded 1765
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
Arriving in Highlandville, MO
Full guide →City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 31m. Total distance: 235.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 189.8 miles on Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 19 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 Highlandville, 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 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (Jefferson Street): Navigation decision point; 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.
Yes — Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Highlandville, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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