Saint Joseph, MO to Bourbon, MO is 300.1 miles and takes about 5h 45m via US 63, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This all-Missouri journey takes you through the heart of the Midwest, offering a mixed drive experience that's manageable for a single day. You'll traverse a good portion of US 63, with a significant percentage of the route on highways, making for a generally efficient trip. Consider this route if you're looking for a straightforward drive across the state without extensive detours, perfect for a day trip.
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
150 miles from Saint Joseph, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 63
79.1 mi
1h 36m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
54.4 mi
58m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
54.3 mi
58m
I 29
28.4 mi
30m
I 435
28 mi
30m
I 44
22.6 mi
24m
MO 68
12.3 mi
18m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
5.6 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
US 63
— 79.1 mi, about 1h 36m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 13 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,251 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~346 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.3×
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 Joseph, MO and Bourbon, 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 right at fork onto I 435
28 mi·30 min·I 435
Exit 14Toward I 435 East: Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 24
0.3 mi·23 sec·US 24
Exit 63Toward I 70, US 24 West, US 40: Saint Louis, Kansas City, Sports Complex
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi·1 min
Toward I 70 East: Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
469 ft·11 sec
Toward I 70 East: Saint LouisUse the slight left / straight lanes.
32 mi·34 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
22 mi·24 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
23
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi·2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
24
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi·1 min·Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
25
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.5 mi·1 min·Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 128AToward US 63: Jefferson City, Moberly
27
Turn slight right
192 ft·4 sec
Toward US 63 South: Jefferson City
28
Merge onto US 63 Conn
521 ft·11 sec·US 63 Conn
Use the slight right lane.
29
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward US 63 South: Jefferson CityUse the straight lane.
30
Merge onto US 63
27 mi·29 min·US 63
31
Take the exit onto US 63
1.5 mi·2 min·US 63
Toward US 54 West, US 63 South: Jefferson City
32
Take the exit onto US 63
217 ft·4 sec·US 63
Toward US 63 South, US 50
33
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63
0.1 mi·16 sec·US 63
Toward US 63 South, US 50
34
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63
0.1 mi·15 sec·US 63
Toward US 63 South, US 50 EastUse the slight left lane.
35
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63
12 mi·14 min·US 63
36
Keep slight right at fork onto US 63
38 mi·49 min·US 63
Toward US 63 South: Rolla
37
Turn left onto MO 68
12 mi·18 min·MO 68
Use the left lane.
38
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 44 East: Saint Louis
39
Merge onto I 44
23 mi·24 min·I 44
40
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 218Toward MO C, MO J, MO N: Bourbon
41
Turn right onto MO C
0.5 mi·1 min·West Pine Street
42
Arrive at destination
MO N
Trip Plan
With a drive time of under six hours, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave in the morning to take advantage of daylight and the potential for a single stop. The longest uninterrupted stretch is over 79 miles on US 63, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or slightly before you hit that long stretch. Given the $47 fuel cost estimate, it’s wise to fill up before departing Saint Joseph or when you see prices are favorable along the way.
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 150 miles from Saint Joseph, MO, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.1 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 66 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 150 miles or 2h 45m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bourbon, 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.
+
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 Joseph, MO
This is one driving day of about 300.1 miles and 5h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Saint Joseph, 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 US 63 for about 79.1 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 35.2 and 214 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
35.2 mi into trip|~39m in|I 435
Keep slight right at fork onto I 435 toward I 435 East: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 14
Toward I 435 East: Saint Louis
7
63.2 mi into trip|~1h 10m in|US 24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 24 toward I 70, US 24 West, US 40: Saint Louis, Kansas City, Sports Complex
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 63
Toward I 70, US 24 West, US 40: Saint Louis, Ka...
7
63.5 mi into trip|~1h 11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 East: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 70 East: Saint Louis
7
64.7 mi into trip|~1h 12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 East: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward I 70 East: Saint Louis
9
214 mi into trip|~3h 56m in|US 63
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63 toward US 63 South, US 50 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 63 South, US 50 East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.89 one way
$99.79 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg105 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$54.35
$108.70
premium
$5.18
$61.24
$122.47
diesel
$5.35
$63.21
$126.42
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$50
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
90
1
$31.51
$14.40
Efficient EV
75
0
$26.26
$12.00
EV Truck/SUV
120
1
$42.01
$19.21
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 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 Joseph, MO
Afternoon
in Saint Joseph on Wednesday
Local time
2:03 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
ENE 3 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 1 at 4:06AM CDT until June 1 at 4:45AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 1 at 4:04AM CDT until June 1 at 4:30AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Destination
Bourbon, MO
Afternoon
in Bourbon on Wednesday
Local time
2:03 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 3 mph89% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 1 at 4:06AM CDT until June 1 at 4:45AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 1 at 4:04AM CDT until June 1 at 4:30AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
67°F
Blackwater, MO
150 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
2 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
5h 45m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route presents a mixed drive, with 58% of it on highways. You'll spend a considerable amount of time on US 63, including a longest stretch of 79.1 miles on this road, which can feel quite direct. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway and U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway also contribute to the highway portions of your journey. Expect a blend of faster-paced highway driving interspersed with stretches that might feel more local, offering a varied driving experience throughout the 300.1 miles.
58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 79.1 mi on US 63.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 35.2 miles in near I 435.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 31 significant decision points across 300.1 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 35.2 miles (I 435): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 63.2 miles (US 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,040 ft555 ft
Total Climb
934 ft
Total Descent
885 ft
Highest Point
1,040 ft
~278.6 mi in
Elevation Range
485 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Saint Joseph, MO and Bourbon, MO, road signs point toward Kansas City, Sports Complex and Moberly.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 45m. Total distance: 300.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 79.1 miles on US 63. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 28 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 Bourbon, 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 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 35.2 miles (I 435): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 63.2 miles (US 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bourbon, MO before the return drive.
