St. Louis to Purdy is 266.2 miles and takes about 5h 14m via Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor and US 60, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Missouri, traversing the Midwest region from start to finish. Primarily a surface road experience, this route offers a more grounded drive than a pure interstate dash. It’s a straightforward option if you’re looking for a direct path between these two points in Missouri without significant detours or a need for an overnight stay.
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
133.1 miles from St. Louis, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
206.8 mi
3h 45m
US 60
32.7 mi
48m
South Lincoln Avenue
5.8 mi
8m
MO B
3.9 mi
6m
Police Officer Ernest M. Brockman Sr. Memorial Highway
3.5 mi
4m
Officer Michael Barwick Memorial Highway
3.5 mi
4m
Police Officer Robert Stanze Memorial Highway
2.7 mi
3m
Officer David Haynes Memorial Highway
2.3 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
— 206.8 mi, about 3h 45m
Traffic on I-44
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 22 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,417 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,956
Quietest
2 AM
~186 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13×
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 St. Louis, MO and Purdy, MO.
1
Start on Market Street
1.0 mi·2 min·Market Street
2
Turn left onto South Jefferson Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·South Jefferson Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward I 44 West
4
Merge onto I 44
2.3 mi·3 min·Officer David Haynes Memorial Highway
5
Continue on I 44
3.5 mi·4 min·Officer Michael Barwick Memorial Highway
6
Continue on I 44
2.7 mi·3 min·Police Officer Robert Stanze Memorial Highway
7
Continue on I 44
3.5 mi·4 min·Police Officer Ernest M. Brockman Sr. Memorial Highway
8
Continue on I 44; US 50
207 mi·3 hr 45 min·Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 70Toward MO MM, MO B
10
Turn left onto MO B; MO MM
3.9 mi·6 min·MO B; MO MM
11
Continue on this road
314 ft·11 sec·this road
12
Turn straight onto US 60; MO 413
9.0 mi·13 min·US 60; MO 413
13
Continue on US 60; MO 14; MO 413
1.2 mi·1 min·Southwest Elm Street
14
Continue on US 60; MO 413
5.3 mi·7 min·US 60; MO 413
15
Continue on US 60; MO 265
18 mi·27 min·US 60; MO 265
16
Turn left onto MO 37
5.8 mi·8 min·South Lincoln Avenue
17
Turn left onto North City Highway 37
1.0 mi·2 min·North City Highway 37
18
Turn left onto Washington Avenue
0.1 mi·30 sec·Washington Avenue
19
Arrive at destination
Washington Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 14m duration, leaving St. Louis in the morning allows ample time to reach Purdy before evening. With only one recommended stop and a manageable distance, you have flexibility in pacing your drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $42. The longest stretch without significant road changes is over 200 miles, so be prepared for extended periods on the Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor before transitioning to US 60 and local roads.
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 133.1 miles from St. Louis, MO, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 206.8 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 59 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.1 miles or 2h 29m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Purdy, 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 266.2 miles and 5h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 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 Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor for about 206.8 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 8
5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 259.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
3
1 mi into trip|~2m in|South Jefferson Avenue
Turn left onto South Jefferson Avenue
Navigation decision point
3
2.2 mi into trip|~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 44 West
Navigation decision point
Toward I 44 West
3
2.4 mi into trip|~4m in|I 44 / Officer David Haynes Memorial Highway
Merge onto I 44 / Officer David Haynes Memorial Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining
6
221.2 mi into trip|~4h 5m in
Take the exit toward MO MM, MO B
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 70
Toward MO MM, MO B
4
259.2 mi into trip|~5h 3m in|MO 37 / South Lincoln Avenue
Turn left onto MO 37 / South Lincoln Avenue
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.26 one way
$88.52 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg93 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$48.21
$96.42
premium
$5.18
$54.32
$108.64
diesel
$5.35
$56.07
$112.14
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.9
0
$27.95
$12.78
Efficient EV
66.6
0
$23.29
$10.65
EV Truck/SUV
106.5
1
$37.27
$17.04
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 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.
Forecast as of Jun 3, 2026
Origin
St. Louis, MO
Afternoon
in St. Louis on Wednesday
Local time
3:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Mostly Clear
NE 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 2 at 8:19PM CDT until June 3 at 3:00PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 2 at 8:19PM CDT until June 4 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
Destination
Purdy, MO
Afternoon
in Purdy on Wednesday
Local time
3:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 9 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 2 at 8:19PM CDT until June 3 at 3:00PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 2 at 8:19PM CDT until June 4 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Springfield 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
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 14m 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...
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 229.5
The young child known as the "Plant Doctor" tended his secret garden while observing the day-to-day operations of a 19th century farm. Nature and nurture ultimately influenced George on his quest for...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 257
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 13% of this 266.2-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch on a primary road is 206.8 miles, primarily on the Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor. After this segment, you'll transition to surface roads, including US 60 and South Lincoln Avenue, for the remainder of your trip. Expect a predominantly surface road experience with fewer rapid exits and more continuous cruising.
Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 206.8 mi on Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near South Jefferson Avenue.
Driving Effort3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 5h 14m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (South Jefferson Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 2.2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (I 44 / Officer David Haynes Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,484 ft440 ft
Total Climb
1,464 ft
Total Descent
444 ft
Highest Point
1,484 ft
~266.2 mi in
Elevation Range
1,044 ft
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 Purdy, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Mo B along the way.
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
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 206.8 miles on Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 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.
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 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (South Jefferson Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 2.2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (I 44 / Officer David Haynes Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining.
Yes — Gateway Arch National Park, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and George Washington Carver National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Purdy, MO before the return drive.
