Origin
Saint Joseph, MO
Late night in Saint Joseph on Sunday
Local time
2:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Saint Joseph, MO to Mountain Grove, MO
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 38m
Distance
286.3 mi
461 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 26m
★
6 AM
5h 39m
8 AM
6h 6m
10 AM
5h 48m
12 PM
5h 46m
3 PM
5h 50m
5 PM
6h 4m
8 PM
5h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Saint Joseph, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Mountain Grove, MO
Magda Ehlers
Trip Overview
Saint Joseph, MO to Mountain Grove, MO is 286.3 miles and takes about 5h 38m via MO 13, MO 7, and US 60, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within Missouri, traversing the Midwest from the northwest part of the state down to the Ozarks region. Expect a highway-focused drive that makes good time, suitable for a single-day journey. If you're looking for a straightforward route to cover a good distance within Missouri without significant detours, this option is worth considering.
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
143.2 miles from Saint Joseph, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 48m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MO 13 | 68 mi | 1h 19m |
| MO 7 | 55.6 mi | 1h 4m |
| US 60 | 55 mi | 1h 4m |
| I 29 | 40.4 mi | 44m |
| Bruce R. Watkins Drive | 37.8 mi | 45m |
| Schoolcraft Freeway | 8.3 mi | 10m |
| US 169 | 5.2 mi | 7m |
| I 229 | 4.5 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
MO 13
— 68 mi, about 1h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Joseph, MO and Mountain Grove, 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
38 mi
·
45 min
·
Bruce R. Watkins Drive
Exit 2M
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Take the exit onto MO 7
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
MO 7
Exit 157
Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
22
Turn slight left onto MO 7
55 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
MO 7
Exit 157
Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
Use 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 82A
Toward 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
55 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
US 60
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward US 60 Business: Mountain Grove
31
Turn right onto US 60 Business
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
US 60 Business
32
Turn right onto MO 95
102 ft
·
2 sec
·
North Main Street
33
Arrive at destination
MO 95
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 38m estimated drive time, starting your trip in the morning from Saint Joseph, MO, allows ample daylight to reach Mountain Grove, MO. With a fuel cost estimated around $45, it's wise to fill up before departing or at the first available opportunity, especially before heading into longer stretches. While the longest single stretch is 68 miles on MO 13, the route has only one recommended stop, so plan your breaks accordingly. Consider packing snacks and drinks to minimize the need for unscheduled stops.
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 143.2 miles from Saint Joseph, MO, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68 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 63 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.2 miles or 2h 48m 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 Mountain Grove, 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 286.3 miles and 5h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 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 MO 13 for about 68 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
143 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 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 143.2 miles from Saint Joseph, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before MO 13 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 285 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
$44.76 one way
$89.52 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
100 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $49.14 | $98.29 |
| premium | $4.89 | $55.10 | $110.19 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $63.21 | $126.42 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 85.9 | 1 | $30.06 | $13.74 |
| Efficient EV | 71.6 | 0 | $25.05 | $11.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 114.5 | 1 | $40.08 | $18.32 |
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 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.
Destination
Mountain Grove, MO
Late night in Mountain Grove on Sunday
Local time
2:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
80°F
Warsaw, MO
143 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
22 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 38m 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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 227.1
Caution: BE AWARE OF HIGH-WATER DANGER
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 84% of the journey utilizing faster roads. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on MO 13, including the longest uninterrupted stretch of 68 miles. The character of the drive is largely consistent, prioritizing efficient travel over highly varied scenery. While primarily highway, the route incorporates MO 7 and US 60, offering a steady pace for most of the 5h 38m duration.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 68 mi on MO 13.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 13 and MO 7. 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
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 28 significant decision points across 286.3 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Mountain Grove, MO, road signs point toward Joplin and Saint Louis.
Joplin
53.6 mi in
|
~1h 3m
|
via I 70; US 24; US 40
Saint Louis
215.6 mi in
|
~4h 12m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 38m. Total distance: 286.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 68 miles on MO 13. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Mountain Grove, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Mountain Grove, MO before the return drive.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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