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Trip from Saint Joseph, MO to Riverview, MO

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 1m

Distance

191.2 mi

308 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 49m ★
6 AM
4h 2m
8 AM
4h 28m
10 AM
4h 11m
12 PM
4h 8m
3 PM
4h 12m
5 PM
4h 27m
8 PM
3h 54m

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

city in and county seat of Buchanan County, Missouri, United States

Saint Joseph, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Riverview, MO, MO

Riverview, MO

Boris Hamer

Trip Overview

Saint Joseph, MO to Riverview, MO is 191.2 miles and takes about 4 hours 1 minute via US 50 and I-29/I-435, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Missouri, traversing familiar Midwest landscapes. With 80% highway driving, expect a straightforward trip that's easy to manage. If you're looking for a direct route with minimal fuss, this option connects two points within the state efficiently, making it ideal for a single-day excursion.

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

95.6 miles from Saint Joseph, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 52m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 50 67.8 mi 1h 20m
I 29 28.4 mi 30m
I 435 28 mi 30m
MO 52 17 mi 23m
South Limit Avenue 16.7 mi 21m
Blue Parkway 8.2 mi 12m
MO T 6.9 mi 12m
North Hickory Street 5.9 mi 8m
Longest stretch: US 50 — 67.8 mi, about 1h 20m

Traffic on I-29

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

3 PM

~1,322 veh/hr typical · worst 1,587

Quietest

1 AM

~137 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

9.6×

busier at peak than in the quiet hours

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

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 Riverview, 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 14 Toward I 435 East: Saint Louis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 435

3.5 mi · 4 min · Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
Toward I 435 South: Wichita
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Exit 66 Toward MO 350 East: 63rd Street, Raytown, Lee's Summit Use the slight left lane.
15

Merge onto MO 350

8.2 mi · 12 min · Blue Parkway
16

Continue on US 50

68 mi · 1 hr 20 min · US 50
17

Turn right onto US 65

17 mi · 21 min · South Limit Avenue
18

Take the exit onto MO 52

0.3 mi · 51 sec · MO 52
Toward MO 52 East: Cole Camp
19

Turn left onto MO 52

17 mi · 23 min · MO 52
20

Turn right onto MO 135

5.9 mi · 8 min · North Hickory Street
21

Turn right onto MO T

6.9 mi · 12 min · MO T
22

Continue on Possum Trot Road

0.9 mi · 3 min · Possum Trot Road
23

Continue on Possum Trot Road

1.1 mi · 4 min · Possum Trot Road
24

Arrive at destination

Possum Trot Road

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour drive time, departing Saint Joseph in the morning allows ample time to reach Riverview before evening. The single stop indicated suggests you can push through most of the 191.2 miles in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $30, and plan your fill-up accordingly, especially during the 67.8-mile stretch on US 50 where services might be less frequent. This is a flexible trip, so you can adjust your departure time based on your schedule.

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 95.6 miles from Saint Joseph, MO, or about 1h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.8 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 42 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 95.6 miles or 1h 52m 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 5m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Riverview, 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 191.2 miles and 4h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 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 50 for about 67.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Oak Grove, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oak Grove, MO

96 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

Claycomo, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oak Grove, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 95.6 miles from Saint Joseph, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 50 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.8 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · early in the drive

Nelle Belle's Diner

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kansas City, Missouri

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch · 1h 9m in 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18162161474

El Canelo Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elwood, Kansas

1.9 mi

Le Peep

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Joseph, Missouri

2.7 mi

Nelle Belle's Diner

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18162161474

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

Le Peep

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

St Joseph, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+18166719793

Visit website

Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

St Joseph, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18162593284

Visit website

Queen Sweets And Mediterranean Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

Early stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+18164628252

Visit website

Broken Rice & Pho Restaurant Com Tam Viet

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

Early stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Gladstone, Missouri

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+18168005367

Visit website

Wolcano Teppanyaki

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

Early stretch 5 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

North Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18168281200

Visit website

Olive Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18167630009

Dearborn Rest Area (Northbound)

0 mi from route

Dearborn Truck Parking (Southbound)

0 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

QuikTrip

0.1 mi from route

QuikTrip

0.3 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.4 mi from route

QuikTrip

0.9 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

1.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

1.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

1.3 mi from route

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

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+18167922655

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 66.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Francis Street

Turn right onto Francis Street

Navigation decision point

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 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
8
66.7 mi into trip | ~1h 14m in

Take the exit toward MO 350 East: 63rd Street, Raytown, Lee's Summit

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

Use the slight left lane. Exit 66 Toward MO 350 East: 63rd Street, Raytown, Lee's...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.24 one way

$56.47 round trip

$3.75/gal 25.4 MPG avg 67 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.14 $31.17 $62.34
premium $4.72 $35.50 $71.00
diesel $4.80 $36.10 $72.20

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 66.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 57.4 0 $20.08 $9.18
Efficient EV 47.8 0 $16.73 $7.65
EV Truck/SUV 76.5 0 $26.77 $12.24

Gas CO2

67 kg

EV CO2

22 kg (67% 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 Jul 19, 2026

Origin

Saint Joseph, MO

Morning in Saint Joseph on Sunday

Local time

6:19 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Mostly Clear

ESE 2 mph 3% chance Live forecast

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 8:17PM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:55PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN

Destination

Riverview, MO

Morning in Riverview on Sunday

Local time

6:19 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 2 mph 16% chance Live forecast

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 8:17PM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:55PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN

90°F

Oak Grove, MO

96 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

4h 1m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is mostly highway, with 80% of the 191.2 miles on major roads like I-29 and I-435. You'll encounter the longest continuous stretch of non-interstate driving on US 50 for 67.8 miles. Expect a period of more rural cruising once you transition off the interstate system. The route features a high number of exits and merges, particularly around the I-435 loop.

80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 67.8 mi on US 50.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 50 and I 29. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Francis Street.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 16 significant decision points across 191.2 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 0.1 miles (Francis Street): Navigation decision point; 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.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,069 ft 732 ft

Total Climb

675 ft

Total Descent

743 ft

Highest Point

1,069 ft

~177.6 mi in

Elevation Range

336 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 Riverview, MO, road signs point toward Raytown and Lee's Summit.

Raytown

66.7 mi in | ~1h 14m

Lee's Summit

66.7 mi in | ~1h 14m

About the Cities

Starting in Saint Joseph, MO

Full guide →

Founded 1843

Top landmarks

  • Patee House
  • Missouri Theatre — theater, former movie theater and commercial building in St. Joseph, Missouri, U...
  • German-American Bank Building — historic building in St. Joseph, Missouri, USA

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 1m. Total distance: 191.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 67.8 miles on US 50. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 12 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 Riverview, 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 12 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Francis Street): Navigation decision point; 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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Riverview, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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