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Trip from Tipton, MO to Saint Joseph, MO

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

Drive Time

3h 26m

Distance

169.6 mi

273 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 14m ★
6 AM
3h 26m
8 AM
3h 51m
10 AM
3h 35m
12 PM
3h 32m
3 PM
3h 36m
5 PM
3h 49m
8 PM
3h 19m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Tipton, MO, MO

Tipton, MO

Valeria Boltneva

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

Saint Joseph, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 169.6-mile drive from Tipton, MO, to Saint Joseph, MO, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes. You'll spend 99% of your time on highways, primarily following US 50 and then I-435 and I-29. With a projected fuel cost of around $27, this route is an economical option for traversing the Midwest. The journey is focused on efficient travel, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B without extensive detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

84.8 miles from Tipton, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 50 94.2 mi 1h 57m
I 435 32.3 mi 35m
I 29 26 mi 27m
Blue Parkway 7.7 mi 11m
I 229 5.7 mi 6m
I435 N 1.3 mi 1m
Edmond Street 0.5 mi <1m
South Moreau Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 50 — 94.2 mi, about 1h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Tipton, MO and Saint Joseph, MO.

1

Start on Osage Avenue

19 ft · 2 sec · Osage Avenue
2

Turn right onto West Morgan Street

0.1 mi · 35 sec · West Morgan Street
3

Turn left onto MO B

0.2 mi · 22 sec · South Moreau Avenue
4

Continue on MO B

0.1 mi · 28 sec · West Walnut Street
5

Merge onto US 50; MO 5

16 mi · 21 min · US 50; MO 5
6

Continue on US 50; MO 135

78 mi · 1 hr 36 min · US 50; MO 135
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on MO 350

7.7 mi · 11 min · Blue Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 39 sec
Toward I 435 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 435

11 mi · 13 min · I 435
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on I435 N

1.3 mi · 1 min · I435 N
11

Continue on I 435

21 mi · 22 min · I 435
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 29; US 71

26 mi · 27 min · I 29; US 71
Toward I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
13

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 54 sec
Exit 43 Toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
14

Continue on I 229

5.7 mi · 6 min · I 229
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Exit 6A Toward Central Business District
16

Continue on Edmond Street

0.5 mi · 57 sec · Edmond Street
17

Turn left onto I 29 Business

0.2 mi · 20 sec · South 10th Street
18

Turn right onto I 29 Business

379 ft · 6 sec · Frederick Avenue
19

Turn slight right onto Walter Welsh Avenue

137 ft · 2 sec · Walter Welsh Avenue
20

Arrive at destination

Walter Welsh Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 26-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your daylight hours and allow for a leisurely pace. While there's only one suggested stop, the relatively short distance means you have flexibility. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 94.2-mile stretch on US 50, as services might be less frequent than on interstates. Planning your fuel stops beforehand will ensure a smooth journey to Saint Joseph.

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 84.8 miles from Tipton, MO, or about 1h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 94.2 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 37 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 84.8 miles or 1h 46m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 51m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Joseph, MO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Tipton, 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 Tipton, MO

This is one driving day of about 169.6 miles and 3h 26m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Tipton, 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 94.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Jackson County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Raytown, MO

85 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.

Popular next leg

Raytown, MO to Saint Joseph, MO

69.2 mi · 1h 18m

Pacing Suggestions

Sedalia, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Blue Springs, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84.8 miles from Tipton, 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 94.2 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

El Canelo Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elwood, Kansas

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 169.6

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19133655550

Visit website

Le Peep

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Joseph, Missouri

2.7 mi

Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Joseph, Missouri

2.4 mi

El Canelo Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 169.6

Elwood, Kansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19133655550

Visit website

Le Peep

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 169.6

St Joseph, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+18166719793

Visit website

Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 169.6

St Joseph, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18162593284

Visit website

Olive Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 96.9

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18167630009

Café Verona

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 109

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18168330044

Visit website

Vietnam Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 109

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18164724888

Visit website

Renada’s

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 145.4

Dearborn, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–1:30 pm

+18169920117

Wolcano Teppanyaki

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 109

North Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18168281200

Visit website

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 109

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 24.2

Sedalia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18004891588

Visit website

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 121.2

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+18167922655

Visit website

Glore Psychiatric Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 169.6

St Joseph, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18162328471

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 136.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | West Morgan Street

Turn right onto West Morgan Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | MO B / South Moreau Avenue

Turn left onto MO B / South Moreau Avenue

Navigation decision point

6
102.4 mi into trip | ~2h 11m in

Take the exit toward I 435 North

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 435 North
5
102.9 mi into trip | ~2h 11m in | I 435

Merge onto I 435

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
136.4 mi into trip | ~2h 48m in | I 29; US 71

Keep slight left at fork onto I 29; US 71 toward I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.52 one way

$53.03 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $29.11 $58.22
premium $4.89 $32.64 $65.28
diesel $5.61 $37.45 $74.89

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 59.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50.9 0 $17.81 $8.14
Efficient EV 42.4 0 $14.84 $6.78
EV Truck/SUV 67.8 0 $23.74 $10.85

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (66% 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Tipton, MO

Night in Tipton on Saturday

Local time

11:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Saint Joseph, MO

Night in Saint Joseph on Saturday

Local time

11:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

38°F

Mostly Clear

NNW 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 2:43AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 2:07AM CDT until April 19 at 5:30PM 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

35 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

3h 26m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for nearly the entirety of this 169.6-mile trip. Your journey will largely consist of interstate travel, with a significant portion involving US 50 before transitioning to I-435 and I-29. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 94.2 miles on US 50, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent highway speed. This route prioritizes directness over scenic byways, offering a predictable driving experience.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 94.2 mi on US 50.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 50 and I 435. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Morgan Street.

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 169.6 miles you will encounter 10 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: near the start (West Morgan Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (MO B / South Moreau Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 102.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 26m. Total distance: 169.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 94.2 miles on US 50. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Saint Joseph, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Morgan Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (MO B / South Moreau Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 102.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Saint Joseph, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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