Saint Joseph, MO to Malden, MO is 442.4 miles and takes about 8h 56m via US 60, MO 13, and MO 7, with a fuel budget near $78 and enough daylight to finish in a day, though an overnight is recommended. This drive stays entirely within Missouri, taking you across the state from its northwestern corner to the southeastern bootheel. With a recommended 2-day trip, you'll have ample time to break up the drive and experience more of what the route offers without feeling rushed. Consider this an efficient way to traverse Missouri.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
221.2 miles from Saint Joseph, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 60
177.3 mi
3h 28m
MO 13
68 mi
1h 19m
MO 7
55.6 mi
1h 4m
I 29
40.4 mi
44m
Bruce R. Watkins Drive
37.8 mi
45m
MO 53
19.6 mi
29m
MO J
11.5 mi
20m
Schoolcraft Freeway
8.3 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
US 60
— 177.3 mi, about 3h 28m
Traffic on I-29
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 10 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,163 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,528
Quietest
1 AM
~216 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10×
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 Malden, 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 CityUse the slight right lane.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·29 sec
Exit 2BToward 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, JoplinUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 71
38 mi·45 min·Bruce R. Watkins Drive
Exit 2MUse the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Take the exit onto MO 7
0.2 mi·19 sec·MO 7
Exit 157Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
22
Turn slight left onto MO 7
55 mi·1 hr 3 min·MO 7
Exit 157Toward MO 7 South: ClintonUse the left lane.
23
Continue on MO 13
68 mi·1 hr 19 min·MO 13
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 44 East: Rolla, Saint Louis
25
Merge onto I 44
4.3 mi·5 min·Payne Stewart Highway
26
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 82AToward US 65 South: Branson
27
Merge onto US 65
8.3 mi·10 min·Schoolcraft Freeway
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·52 sec
Toward US 60 East: Cabool
29
Merge onto US 60
82 mi·1 hr 35 min·US 60
30
Keep slight left at fork onto US 60
90 mi·1 hr 46 min·US 60
Toward US 60 East: Mountain View, Poplar Bluff
31
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
4.8 mi·6 min·US 60
32
Turn straight onto US 60 Business; US 67 Business
1.6 mi·2 min·North Westwood Boulevard
33
Continue on US 60 Business; US 67 Business
0.3 mi·25 sec·State Street
34
Continue on US 60 Business; US 67 Business
2.3 mi·3 min·North Westwood Boulevard
35
Turn slight left
133 ft·7 sec
36
Turn slight left onto MO 53
20 mi·29 min·MO 53
37
Turn left onto MO J
12 mi·20 min·MO J
38
Turn right onto MO 25 Business
0.4 mi·45 sec·North Douglas Street
39
Turn left onto MO 25 Business
0.2 mi·28 sec·West Main Street
40
Turn right onto MO 25 Business
442 ft·10 sec·South Madison Street
41
Turn right onto West Laclede Street
63 ft·2 sec·West Laclede Street
42
Arrive at destination
West Laclede Street
Trip Plan
Given the 8h 56m estimated drive time, splitting this trip over two days is advisable to avoid fatigue. Plan to depart in the morning to make the most of daylight, and consider stopping around the halfway point for an overnight rest. With two recommended stops, you have a good opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel. Pay attention to the fuel cost estimate of $78, and ensure your tank is topped off before heading into longer stretches, especially the 177.3-mile segment on US 60.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 221.2 miles from Saint Joseph, MO, or about 4h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 177.3 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 97 miles or 1h 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 221.2 miles or 4h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 221.2 miles or 4h 19m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Malden, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Saint Joseph, MO
Aim for roughly 221 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Malden, MO
Aim for roughly 221 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 97 miles from Saint Joseph, MO.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 60 for about 177.3 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 32
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
$73.55 one way
$147.11 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg155 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$80.12
$160.24
premium
$5.18
$90.27
$180.55
diesel
$5.35
$93.18
$186.37
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$74
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$204–$314
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 154.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $46 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
132.7
1
$46.45
$21.24
Efficient EV
110.6
1
$38.71
$17.70
EV Truck/SUV
177
2
$61.94
$28.31
Gas CO2
155 kg
EV CO2
52 kg (66% 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 2, 2026
Origin
Saint Joseph, MO
Afternoon
in Saint Joseph on Wednesday
Local time
2:01 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Partly Cloudy
ESE 7 to 12 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 2 at 2:30PM CDT until June 3 at 2:00PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 2 at 2:17PM CDT until June 4 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
Destination
Malden, MO
Afternoon
in Malden on Wednesday
Local time
2:01 PM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Mostly Clear
NE 5 to 13 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 2 at 2:30PM CDT until June 3 at 2:00PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 2 at 2:17PM CDT until June 4 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
68°F
Lebanon, MO
221 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
5 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
8h 56m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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 228.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily highway, with 86% of the route on major roads. You'll experience long stretches of consistent travel, including a 177.3-mile segment on US 60. The profile is mostly highway, so expect a steady pace for the majority of your trip. Surface roads will likely become more prevalent as you approach your destination, offering a change of scenery after extensive highway cruising.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 177.3 mi on US 60.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 60 and MO 13. 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 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 32 significant decision points across 442.4 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 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,621 ft291 ft
Total Climb
1,033 ft
Total Descent
1,635 ft
Highest Point
1,621 ft
~252.8 mi in
Elevation Range
1,330 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 Malden, MO, road signs point toward Joplin, Saint Louis and Poplar Bluff.
The longest stretch is about 177.3 miles on US 60. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 221 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 15 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 Malden, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 — Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.9 hours each way, a round trip means 17.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Malden, MO before the return drive.
