Saint Charles, MO to Weatherby Lake, MO is 247.4 miles and takes about 4h 48m via I 70 and Alexander Doniphan Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest region, offering a straightforward journey between two points in Missouri. It's primarily a highway-focused drive, making it a practical option if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B. With a recommended single day for travel, this route is well-suited for those who prefer to cover ground without extensive overnight stops.
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
123.7 miles from Saint Charles, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
211.2 mi
3h 59m
Alexander Doniphan Memorial Highway
10 mi
11m
Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
7.8 mi
9m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
5.6 mi
6m
I 435
3.3 mi
3m
Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway
1.8 mi
2m
First Capitol Drive
1.8 mi
4m
I435 N
1.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 211.2 mi, about 3h 59m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 23 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,281 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,830
Quietest
1 AM
~292 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.2×
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 Weatherby Lake, MO.
Exit 8BToward I 435 North, US 24 East: Des MoinesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 435; US 24
7.8 mi·9 min·Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
12
Continue on I435 N
1.3 mi·1 min·I435 N
13
Continue on I 435
3.3 mi·3 min·I 435
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·48 sec
Exit 49AToward MO 152 West
15
Merge onto MO 152
10 mi·11 min·Alexander Doniphan Memorial Highway
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward Amity AvenueUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn left onto North Amity Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·North Amity Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
18
Turn right onto Northwest Barry Road
0.4 mi·47 sec·Northwest Barry Road
19
Turn left onto Northwest Potomac Avenue
0.7 mi·2 min·Northwest Potomac Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
Northwest Potomac Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 48m duration, starting your drive in the morning from Saint Charles, MO, will allow ample time to reach Weatherby Lake, MO, well before evening. With only one recommended stop, plan to make it a brief refuel or stretch break. The longest stretch on I 70 is over 200 miles, so ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment. Consider packing snacks and drinks to minimize the need for stops, making the most of your time on the road.
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 123.7 miles from Saint Charles, MO, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 211.2 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 54 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.7 miles or 2h 23m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Weatherby Lake, 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 247.4 miles and 4h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 I 70 for about 211.2 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.3 and 245.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.3 mi into trip|~5m in|I 70
Merge onto I 70
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
221.7 mi into trip|~4h 14m 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
5
235.2 mi into trip|~4h 30m in
Take the exit toward MO 152 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 49A
Toward MO 152 West
6
245.6 mi into trip|~4h 43m in
Take the exit toward Amity Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Amity Avenue
4
245.8 mi into trip|~4h 43m in|North Amity Avenue
Turn left onto North Amity Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.13 one way
$82.27 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$44.80
$89.61
premium
$5.18
$50.48
$100.97
diesel
$5.35
$52.11
$104.22
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.2
0
$25.98
$11.88
Efficient EV
61.9
0
$21.65
$9.90
EV Truck/SUV
99
1
$34.64
$15.83
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of May 28, 2026
Origin
Saint Charles, MO
Afternoon
in Saint Charles on Wednesday
Local time
2:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Mostly Cloudy
NE 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Weatherby Lake, MO
Afternoon
in Weatherby Lake on Wednesday
Local time
2:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Mostly Cloudy
ENE 6 mph1% chanceLive forecast
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
4h 48m 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 drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 87% of the journey taking place on interstates and major highways. You'll spend a significant amount of time on I 70, including a long, uninterrupted stretch of 211.2 miles. While the majority of the route is on high-speed roads, there are segments on Alexander Doniphan Memorial Highway and Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway that offer a slight variation in scenery and pace. Expect a consistent driving experience, largely characterized by efficient travel on well-maintained roadways.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 211.2 mi on I 70.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and Alexander Doniphan Memorial Highway. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in near I 70.
Driving Effort5/10
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 247.4 miles you will encounter 11 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 2.3 miles (I 70): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 221.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 235.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
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 4h 48m. Total distance: 247.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 211.2 miles on I 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 37 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles (I 70): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 221.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 235.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Yes — Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Weatherby Lake, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.
