Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Saint Joseph, MO to Belton, MO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 33m

Distance

75.1 mi

121 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$11

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 21 min
4 AM
1h 26m ★
6 AM
1h 33m
8 AM
1h 47m
10 AM
1h 38m
12 PM
1h 37m
3 PM
1h 39m
5 PM
1h 47m
8 PM
1h 29m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
city in and county seat of Buchanan County, Missouri, United States

Saint Joseph, MO

Wikimedia Commons

city in Cass County, Missouri, United States

Belton, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 75.1-mile drive from Saint Joseph, MO, to Belton, MO, is estimated to take about 1 hour and 33 minutes, making it a perfectly manageable day trip. You'll be navigating local streets for the entirety of this journey, with no highway time involved. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $11, which is quite budget-friendly. Given its relatively short duration and local road profile, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region of Missouri.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

37.6 miles from Saint Joseph, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 42m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 29 40.4 mi 44m
Bruce R. Watkins Drive 19.6 mi 25m
US 169 5.2 mi 7m
I 229 4.5 mi 4m
North 9th Street 1.2 mi 2m
George Brett Super Highway 0.9 mi 1m
North Cedar Street 0.4 mi <1m
East 163rd Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 29 — 40.4 mi, about 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Saint Joseph, MO and Belton, MO.

1

Start on Walter Welsh Avenue

417 ft · 8 sec · Walter Welsh Avenue
2

Turn right onto North 12th Street

297 ft · 10 sec · North 12th Street
3

Turn right onto Francis Street

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Francis Street
4

Turn left onto I 29 Business

1.2 mi · 2 min · North 9th Street
5

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 15 sec
6

Merge onto US 36

0.2 mi · 19 sec · US 36
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward I 229 South, US 59 South: Kansas City
8

Merge onto I 229; US 59

4.5 mi · 4 min · I 229; US 59
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
10

Merge onto I 29; US 71

26 mi · 27 min · I 29; US 71
11

Merge onto I 29; I 435; US 71

2.2 mi · 2 min · I 29; I 435; US 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 29; US 71

12 mi · 13 min · I 29; US 71
Toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City Use the slight right lane.
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 29 sec
Exit 2B Toward US 169 South: Kansas City Downtown
14

Merge onto US 169

5.2 mi · 7 min · US 169
Use the straight lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto Broadway Boulevard

0.1 mi · 18 sec · Broadway Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
16

Turn left onto West 6th Street

0.3 mi · 26 sec · West 6th Street
Use the left lane.
17

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 16 sec
Toward I 35 North, I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East
18

Continue on I 35; I 70; US 24; US 40

0.4 mi · 39 sec · George Brett Super Highway
19

Keep slight right at fork onto I 70; US 24; US 40

0.5 mi · 58 sec · George Brett Super Highway
Toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East, US 71 South: Saint Louis, Joplin Use the slight right lane.
20

Keep slight right at fork onto US 71

20 mi · 25 min · Bruce R. Watkins Drive
Exit 2M Use the straight / slight left lanes.
21

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Exit 175 Toward MO Y
22

Turn right onto East 163rd Street

0.4 mi · 56 sec · East 163rd Street
23

Continue on North Cedar Street

0.4 mi · 55 sec · North Cedar Street
24

Turn slight right

116 ft · 5 sec
25

Turn slight right onto MO 58

0.2 mi · 18 sec · East North Avenue
26

Turn left onto East Walnut Street

0.2 mi · 52 sec · East Walnut Street
27

Arrive at destination

East Walnut Street

Trip Plan

Given this is a short, 1-hour-and-33-minute drive covering 75.1 miles, there's no need to rush or plan extensive stops. Leaving mid-morning or early afternoon would likely help you avoid the busiest local traffic. Since you're not on the highway, keep an eye out for speed limit changes and local traffic patterns. The $11 fuel cost is minimal, so you likely won't need to worry about finding a gas station, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to the street names mentioned in your GPS, as navigating numerous local roads requires careful attention to signage.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 37.6 miles from Saint Joseph, MO, or about 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.4 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 17 miles or 20m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 37.6 miles or 42m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 16m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belton, MO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Saint Joseph, MO so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Saint Joseph, MO

This is one driving day of about 75.1 miles and 1h 33m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Saint Joseph, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 29 for about 40.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Riverside, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Riverside, MO

38 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

Weston, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Riverside, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 37.6 miles from Saint Joseph, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Trezo Mare Restaurant & Lounge

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Moderately mile 48.3

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18165053200

Visit website

Pokesan - Poke Bowls, Dumplings & More

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

0.9 mi

Queen Sweets And Mediterranean Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

Later in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 53.7

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Trezo Mare Restaurant & Lounge

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Moderately mile 48.3

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18165053200

Visit website

Pokesan - Poke Bowls, Dumplings & More

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 53.7

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18167016120

Visit website

Queen Sweets And Mediterranean Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.3

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+18164628252

Visit website

Dott Boss

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 53.7

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+18162838000

Visit website

Palacio Maya Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.9

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18162167647

Visit website

El Canelo Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Elwood, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19133655550

Visit website

Rye Plaza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 59

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18165413382

Visit website

Country Club Plaza

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 59

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+18167530100

Visit website

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 53.7

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Meadowmere Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 69.8

Grandview, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+18163164888

Visit website

Glore Psychiatric Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

St Joseph, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18162328471

Visit website

Money Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 53.7

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 9:30 am–4 pm

+18168812683

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 54.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
1.8 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the exit toward I 229 South, US 59 South: Kansas City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 229 South, US 59 South: Kansas City
6
6.5 mi into trip | ~8m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
8
35.2 mi into trip | ~39m in | I 29; US 71

Keep slight left at fork onto I 29; US 71 toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 29 South, US 71 South: Kansas City
8
53.6 mi into trip | ~1h 3m in | I 70; US 24; US 40 / George Brett Super Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 70; US 24; US 40 / George Brett Super Highway toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East, US 71 South: Saint Louis, Joplin

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 70 East, US 24 East, US 40 East, US 71...
7
54.2 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in | US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive

Keep slight right at fork onto US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 2M

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$11.15 one way

$22.30 round trip

$3.77/gal 25.4 MPG avg 26 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $12.57 $25.15
premium $4.65 $13.76 $27.52
diesel $5.30 $15.68 $31.36

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$11

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$36–$61

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 26.3 kg one way.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 22.5 0 $7.89 $3.60
Efficient EV 18.8 0 $6.57 $3.00
EV Truck/SUV 30 0 $10.51 $4.81

Gas CO2

26 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (65% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Saint Joseph, MO

Night in Saint Joseph on Saturday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Belton, MO

Night in Belton on Saturday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

57°F

Riverside, MO

38 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

18 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

1h 33m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route from Saint Joseph to Belton. With a 0% highway share, you'll be on city streets for the entire 75.1 miles. There's no longest uninterrupted stretch to note, as you'll be navigating through various local roads like North 12th Street, Francis Street, and North 9th Street. This means you'll be experiencing a more connected, in-town driving experience rather than open highway cruising. Be prepared for frequent intersections and potential traffic lights as you make your way south.

67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 40.4 mi on I 29.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 29 and Bruce R. Watkins Drive. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 75.1 miles you will encounter 19 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 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.2 miles (I 29; US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Joseph, MO to Belton, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Joplin along the way.

Joplin

53.6 mi in | ~1h 3m | via I 70; US 24; US 40

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 33m. Total distance: 75.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (67%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 40.4 miles on I 29. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Belton, MO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.2 miles (I 29; US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Belton, MO before heading back.

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. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Belton, MO

Castle Point, MO 253.6 mi · 4h 56m O'Fallon, MO 227.3 mi · 4h 21m Garden City, MO 28.5 mi · 34m Lee's Summit, MO 17.7 mi · 21m

More from Saint Joseph, MO

Caruthersville, MO 486.6 mi · 9h 6m Clarkton, MO 447 mi · 9h De Soto, MO 330.6 mi · 6h 23m Byrnes Mill, MO 306.7 mi · 5h 56m St. Louis, MO 306 mi · 5h 49m Riverview, MO 303 mi · 5h 47m

More trips to Belton, MO

Saint Peters, MO 231.3 mi Columbia, MO 137.4 mi Joplin, MO 137.2 mi
Escape planner: Saint Joseph, MO Scenic drives in MO

Explore more options from Saint Joseph, MO or browse trips ending in Belton, MO.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MO road trips.