Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from St. Louis, MO to Milan, MO
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h
Distance
240.6 mi
387 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 47m
★
6 AM
5h 1m
8 AM
5h 28m
10 AM
5h 10m
12 PM
5h 7m
3 PM
5h 11m
5 PM
5h 26m
8 PM
4h 53m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
St. Louis, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Milan, MO
Dmitry Voronov
Trip Overview
St. Louis to Milan is 240.6 miles and takes about 5h via Avenue of the Saints, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive keeps you within Missouri, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It's a straightforward trip primarily on major highways, making it a solid option for a single-day excursion. You'll find it offers a practical way to cover ground without complex navigation, suitable for those prioritizing efficiency.
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
120.3 miles from St. Louis, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 27m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Avenue of the Saints | 101.2 mi | 2h |
| Chicago-Kansas City Expressway | 52.9 mi | 1h 1m |
| North Missouri Street | 28.5 mi | 31m |
| MO 6 | 27.9 mi | 41m |
| V.F.W. Memorial Highway | 5.8 mi | 6m |
| Daniel Boone Expressway | 5.7 mi | 7m |
| South Baltimore Street | 4.7 mi | 8m |
| Jack Buck Memorial Highway | 4.3 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
Avenue of the Saints
— 101.2 mi, about 2h
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 9 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~5,652 veh/hr typical · worst 6,927
Quietest
2 AM
~160 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
35.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 47 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 St. Louis, MO and Milan, MO.
1
Start on Market Street
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Market Street
2
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 64 West, US 40 West: Wentzville
3
Merge onto I 64; US 40
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Jack Buck Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on I 64; US 40
5.7 mi
·
7 min
·
Daniel Boone Expressway
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on I 64; US 40; US 61
101 mi
·
2 hr
·
Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the exit
249 ft
·
14 sec
7
Turn left onto Paris Gravel Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Paris Gravel Road
8
Keep slight right at fork onto County Road 422
279 ft
·
8 sec
·
County Road 422
9
Turn right onto Veterans Road
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Veterans Road
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
Toward US 36 West, MO 110 West: Monroe City
11
Merge onto US 36; MO 110
5.8 mi
·
6 min
·
V.F.W. Memorial Highway
12
Continue on US 24; US 36; MO 110
53 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward US 63: Macon, Kirksville
14
Turn right onto US 63
28 mi
·
31 min
·
North Missouri Street
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 63 Business: Kirksville
16
Continue on US 63 Bus
4.7 mi
·
8 min
·
South Baltimore Street
17
Turn left onto West Potter Avenue
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
West Potter Avenue
18
Continue on Potter Trail
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Potter Trail
19
Turn left onto MO 6
28 mi
·
41 min
·
MO 6
20
Turn left onto MO 5 Business
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Pearl Street
21
Turn right onto MO E
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
East 3rd Street
22
Arrive at destination
MO E
Trip Plan
With a 5-hour estimated drive time and a $42 fuel cost, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to allow ample time for the drive and any unforeseen delays, especially since there's only one recommended stop. The longest stretch without a break is over 100 miles, so plan to utilize that single stop strategically for fuel or a quick rest. Since the route is manageable in one day, you have flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your schedule or traffic conditions.
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 120.3 miles from St. Louis, MO, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.2 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 53 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.3 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 3h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Milan, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO
This is one driving day of about 240.6 miles and 5h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from St. Louis, 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 Avenue of the Saints for about 101.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
120 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 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 120.3 miles from St. Louis, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Avenue of the Saints if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 101.2 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.
Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
2.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 174.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
1.6 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the ramp toward I 64 West, US 40 West: Wentzville
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 64 West, US 40 West: Wentzville
5
1.9 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 64; US 40 / Jack Buck Memorial Highway
Merge onto I 64; US 40 / Jack Buck Memorial Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
4
113.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m in
|
Paris Gravel Road
Turn left onto Paris Gravel Road
Navigation decision point
6
115.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 22m in
Take the ramp toward US 36 West, MO 110 West: Monroe City
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 36 West, MO 110 West: Monroe City
5
174.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 30m in
Take the exit toward US 63: Macon, Kirksville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 63: Macon, Kirksville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.00 one way
$80.00 round trip
$4.22/gal
25.4 MPG avg
84 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $43.57 | $87.15 |
| premium | $5.18 | $49.10 | $98.19 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $50.68 | $101.36 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 72.2 | 0 | $25.26 | $11.55 |
| Efficient EV | 60.2 | 0 | $21.05 | $9.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 96.2 | 1 | $33.68 | $15.40 |
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% 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.
Origin
St. Louis, MO
Afternoon in St. Louis on Wednesday
Local time
4:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 6 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 3:42PM CDT until June 3 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 3:37PM CDT until June 3 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Destination
Milan, MO
Afternoon in Milan on Wednesday
Local time
4:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ESE 2 to 7 mph
47% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 3:42PM CDT until June 3 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 3:37PM CDT until June 3 at 7:00PM 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
18 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 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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
$19
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a significant highway component, with 36% of the drive on major expressways. You'll experience a longest stretch of 101.2 miles on the Avenue of the Saints, offering extended periods of unimpeded travel. The profile is mixed highway and surface, meaning you'll transition from faster highway cruising to surface roads as you approach your destination. Expect to notice more frequent exits and potential for varying speed limits as you move between these road types.
36% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 101.2 mi on Avenue of the Saints.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 240.6 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles (I 64; US 40 / Jack Buck Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 113.1 miles (Paris Gravel Road): Navigation decision point.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,015 ft
464 ft
Total Climb
840 ft
Total Descent
334 ft
Highest Point
1,015 ft
~223.4 mi in
Elevation Range
551 ft
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.
On the drive from St. Louis, MO to Milan, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Kirksville along the way.
Kirksville
174.8 mi in
|
~3h 30m
About the Cities
Starting in St. Louis, MO
Full guide →Founded 1764
The Gateway City of St. Louis is the epitome of the modern Midwestern metropolis. Missouri's second-largest city is vibrant but laid-back, populous but navigable, historic but still relevant. The city's planners have created an aesthetically beautiful city, with plenty of green space amidst buildings both old and new, framed by the majestic Mississippi and Missouri rivers. And capping it all is the world's tallest man-made monument, the beautiful and iconic Gateway Arch. St. Louis is a city of culture and surprisingly inexpensive. Among American cities, only Washington, D.C. has more free attractions for tourists and residents alike. Hotels, restaurants, and even parking garages avoid the premium pricing common in other big cities. Although often overlooked, St. Louis can be an affordable, educational, and fun family getaway.
Top landmarks
- • Gateway Arch — monument in St. Louis, Missouri
- • Missouri Botanical Garden — non-profit organization in the USA
- • Gateway Arch National Park — American National Park in St. Louis, Missouri
Arriving in Milan, MO
Full guide →Top landmarks
- • Milan Railroad Depot — railway station in Milan, the United States of America
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 5h. Total distance: 240.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 101.2 miles on Avenue of the Saints. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 5 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 Milan, 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 5 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles (I 64; US 40 / Jack Buck Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 113.1 miles (Paris Gravel Road): Navigation decision point.
Yes — Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Milan, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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