Saint Joseph, MO to Rolla, MO is 276.3 miles and takes about 5h 17m via US 63, U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, and Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $49 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, primarily traversing Missouri. Expect a mixed driving experience with both highway stretches and surface roads. With just one recommended stop and a manageable duration, this route is ideal for a single-day trip, offering a straightforward way to connect these two Missouri cities.
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
138.2 miles from Saint Joseph, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 63
90.5 mi
1h 50m
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
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
5.6 mi
6m
I 229
4.5 mi
4m
Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway
1.8 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
US 63
— 90.5 mi, about 1h 50m
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 Rolla, 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
50 mi·1 hr 3 min·US 63
Toward US 63 South: RollaUse the straight lane.
37
Turn left onto North Elm Street
0.3 mi·57 sec·North Elm Street
38
At end of road, turn right onto West 14th Street
147 ft·10 sec·West 14th Street
39
Turn left onto North Elm Street
0.3 mi·47 sec·North Elm Street
40
Turn right onto MO BB
203 ft·6 sec·West 10th Street
41
Arrive at destination
MO BB
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 17m estimated drive time, leaving Saint Joseph in the morning should allow you to reach Rolla well before evening. Plan for one stop to break up the drive, perhaps around the halfway mark, to stretch your legs and refuel. The route involves 90.5 miles on US 63 without breaks, so consider making your stop just before or after this longer stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition to surface roads, as services might be less frequent than on major interstates. The estimated fuel cost is around $49, so budget accordingly.
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 138.2 miles from Saint Joseph, MO, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 90.5 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 61 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.2 miles or 2h 32m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rolla, 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 276.3 miles and 5h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 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 90.5 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 30
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
$45.94 one way
$91.88 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg97 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$50.04
$100.08
premium
$5.18
$56.38
$112.76
diesel
$5.35
$58.20
$116.39
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.9
1
$29.01
$13.26
Efficient EV
69.1
0
$24.18
$11.05
EV Truck/SUV
110.5
1
$38.68
$17.68
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 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
4:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ESE 2 to 6 mph37% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 31 at 8:59PM CDT until June 1 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 31 at 8:57PM CDT until June 1 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Destination
Rolla, MO
Afternoon
in Rolla on Wednesday
Local time
4:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 7 mph89% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 31 at 8:59PM CDT until June 1 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 31 at 8:57PM CDT until June 1 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
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
5h 17m 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?
You'll spend about 55% of the 276.3 miles on highways. The longest continuous highway segment is 90.5 miles on US 63. This means you'll experience periods of faster cruising, but also transitions to surface roads where you'll encounter more varied traffic and potentially more intersections. Be prepared for changes in speed and road conditions as you move between highway and non-highway sections.
55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 90.5 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 30 significant decision points across 276.3 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 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
Gently rolling terrain
1,119 ft598 ft
Total Climb
1,184 ft
Total Descent
959 ft
Highest Point
1,119 ft
~276.3 mi in
Elevation Range
521 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 Rolla, MO, road signs point toward Kansas City, Sports Complex and Moberly.
Rolla is a city in the Central Missouri region of Missouri on historic Route 66. It is home to Missouri University of Science and Technology (Formerly University of Missouri at Rolla) campus.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 17m. Total distance: 276.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 90.5 miles on US 63. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 27 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 Rolla, 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 27 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 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Rolla, MO before the return drive.
