Smithville, MO to Castle Point, MO is 264.2 miles and takes about 5h 7m via Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Missouri, traversing the Midwest region. Expect a route that's mostly on surface roads, making it a more relaxed pace compared to a pure interstate drive. With only one recommended stop and a duration under six hours, it’s a manageable day trip for most drivers.
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
132.1 miles from Smithville, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
157.4 mi
3h 1m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
54.4 mi
58m
I 435
21.1 mi
23m
I 270
9 mi
11m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
5.6 mi
6m
US 169
5.4 mi
7m
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
1.9 mi
2m
Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway
1.8 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 157.4 mi, about 3h 1m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 34 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,943 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~346 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.4×
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 Smithville, MO and Castle Point, MO.
1
Start on this road
67 ft·10 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto MO DD
0.2 mi·40 sec·West Main Street
3
Turn left onto US 169
5.4 mi·7 min·US 169
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi·52 sec
Toward I 435 East: Saint LouisUse the right lane.
5
Merge onto I 435
21 mi·23 min·I 435
Use the slight right lane.
6
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
7
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi·1 min
Toward I 70 East: Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
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
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
22 mi·24 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
16
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi·2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
17
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi·1 min·Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
18
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.9 mi·2 min·Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
19
Continue on I 70; US 40
103 mi·2 hr 2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·12 sec
Exit 232Toward I 270: Chicago, MemphisUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·36 sec
Toward I 270 North: ChicagoUse the slight left lane.
22
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·18 sec·this road
Exit 232Toward I 270 North: Chicago
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·14 sec
Toward I 270 North: ChicagoUse the straight lane.
24
Merge onto I 270
9.0 mi·11 min·I 270
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 30Toward AC: New Halls Ferry Road, Old Halls Ferry Road
26
Turn straight onto Pershall Road
0.3 mi·48 sec·Pershall Road
27
Turn right onto MO AC
0.6 mi·57 sec·New Halls Ferry Road
28
Continue on MO AC
0.3 mi·35 sec·Halls Ferry Road
29
Turn left onto Hudson Drive
0.3 mi·1 min·Hudson Drive
30
Turn right onto Edgefield Drive
0.3 mi·1 min·Edgefield Drive
31
Turn left onto Duchess Drive
0.2 mi·56 sec·Duchess Drive
32
Turn left onto Lord Drive
284 ft·12 sec·Lord Drive
33
Arrive at destination
Lord Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 7m duration, leaving Smithville, MO in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight. While this trip can be completed in one day, the drive is manageable enough that you have flexibility. Plan for one stop to break up the drive, perhaps around the halfway mark. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer stretches on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, as services might be more spaced out than on major interstates. The fuel cost estimate is around $41.
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 132.1 miles from Smithville, MO, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.4 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 58 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 132.1 miles or 2h 27m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Castle Point, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO
This is one driving day of about 264.2 miles and 5h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Smithville, 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 Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 157.4 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 27.1 and 252.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
27.1 mi into trip|~33m 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
27.3 mi into trip|~33m 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
28.5 mi into trip|~35m 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
8
251.8 mi into trip|~4h 48m in
Take the exit toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 232
Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis
8
252.7 mi into trip|~4h 49m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 270 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 270 North: Chicago
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.02 one way
$78.03 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$43.07
$86.15
premium
$4.72
$49.05
$98.11
diesel
$4.80
$49.89
$99.77
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.3
0
$27.74
$12.68
Efficient EV
66.1
0
$23.12
$10.57
EV Truck/SUV
105.7
1
$36.99
$16.91
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Smithville, MO
Late night
in Smithville on Sunday
Local time
1:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
SSW 7 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:35AM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:43AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Castle Point, MO
Late night
in Castle Point on Sunday
Local time
1:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Mostly Clear
W 6 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:35AM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:43AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
91°F
Columbia, MO
132 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 7m 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.
Gateway Arch National Park
National Park
Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, a...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
$19
near mile 264.2
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 on surface roads, with only 14% of the route utilizing highways like Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway and I 435. You'll experience a longest stretch of 157.4 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway before transitioning to surface streets. Be prepared for more frequent intersections and potential traffic lights as you move away from the highway segments.
Only 14% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 157.4 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 27.1 miles in near US 24.
Driving Effort9/10
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 19 significant decision points across 264.2 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 27.1 miles (US 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
949 ft495 ft
Total Climb
407 ft
Total Descent
726 ft
Highest Point
949 ft
~18.9 mi in
Elevation Range
454 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Smithville, MO and Castle Point, MO, road signs point toward Kansas City and Sports Complex.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 7m. Total distance: 264.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 157.4 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 36 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 Castle Point, 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 36 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 27.1 miles (US 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Castle Point, MO before the return drive.
