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Trip from Cape Girardeau, MO to Bolivar, MO

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 44m

Distance

286.4 mi

461 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$45

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 31m ★
6 AM
5h 44m
8 AM
6h 11m
10 AM
5h 53m
12 PM
5h 51m
3 PM
5h 55m
5 PM
6h 9m
8 PM
5h 36m

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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city in Cape Girardeau and Scott Counties in the U.S. state of Missouri

Cape Girardeau, MO

Wikimedia Commons

city and county seat of Polk County, Missouri, United States

Bolivar, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Cape Girardeau, MO to Bolivar, MO covers 286.4 miles and takes about 5h 44m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 44, I 55, MO 32 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 109.5 miles on I 44. At current regular gas prices, budget about $44.78 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

143.2 miles from Cape Girardeau, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 44 109.5 mi 1h 57m
I 55 84.9 mi 1h 31m
MO 32 40.8 mi 57m
MO 30 27 mi 38m
MO M 11.7 mi 17m
West Commercial Street 4.3 mi 6m
North Kingshighway 3.6 mi 5m
Broadway Street 2 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 44 — 109.5 mi, about 1h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cape Girardeau, MO and Bolivar, MO.

1

Start on Broadway Street

2.0 mi · 3 min · Broadway Street
2

Turn right onto I 55 Bus; US 61; MO 34

3.6 mi · 5 min · North Kingshighway
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward I 55 North: Saint Louis
4

Merge onto I 55

85 mi · 1 hr 31 min · I 55
5

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Exit 185 Toward MO M: Antonia, Barnhart Use the left lane.
6

At end of road, turn left onto MO M

12 mi · 17 min · MO M
7

Turn left onto MO 30

27 mi · 38 min · MO 30
8

Continue on US Historic 66; MO 30

0.2 mi · 29 sec · West Gravois Avenue
9

Turn right onto US Historic 66; MO 30

0.2 mi · 34 sec · US Historic 66; MO 30
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 44 West: Rolla
11

Merge onto I 44

109 mi · 1 hr 57 min · I 44
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Exit 129 Toward MO 32, MO 5, MO 64: Hartville
13

Turn right onto MO 5; MO 32; MO 64

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Jefferson Avenue
14

Turn left onto West Commercial Street

4.3 mi · 6 min · West Commercial Street
Use the left lane.
15

Continue on MO 32

41 mi · 57 min · MO 32
16

Arrive at destination

MO 32

Trip Plan

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 143.2 miles from Cape Girardeau, MO, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 109.5 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 63 miles or 1h 11m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 143.2 miles or 2h 53m 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 31m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO

This is one driving day of about 286.4 miles and 5h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Cape Girardeau, 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 I 44 for about 109.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Byrnes Mill, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Byrnes Mill, MO

143 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

Byrnes Mill, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Washington, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 143.2 miles from Cape Girardeau, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 44 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 109.5 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

Oseyo Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Bolivar, Missouri

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 286.4

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14173262100

Visit website

Shogun Japanese Sushi and Hibachi

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

2.3 mi

Oseyo Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 286.4

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14173262100

Visit website

Shogun Japanese Sushi and Hibachi

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+15733353090

Visit website

IHOP

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15738033138

Visit website

TK's Pizza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 204.6

St Robert, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15733363278

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 184.1

Rolla, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 143.2

Sullivan, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15738608880

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 143.2

Sullivan, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 286.4

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14173260188

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 184.1

Rolla, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 286.4

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 286.4

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 225

Richland, Missouri

+15737753044

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 90.8 and 241.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
90.8 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in

Take the exit toward MO M: Antonia, Barnhart

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Exit 185 Toward MO M: Antonia, Barnhart
4
91.2 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in | MO M

At end of road, turn left onto MO M

Navigation decision point

7
130.3 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in

Take the exit toward I 44 West: Rolla

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 44 West: Rolla
6
240 mi into trip | ~4h 37m in

Take the exit toward MO 32, MO 5, MO 64: Hartville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 129 Toward MO 32, MO 5, MO 64: Hartville
6
241.2 mi into trip | ~4h 39m in | West Commercial Street

Turn left onto West Commercial Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$44.78 one way

$89.55 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $49.16 $98.32
premium $4.89 $55.12 $110.23
diesel $5.61 $63.23 $126.47

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$45

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$70–$95

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 100.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 85.9 1 $30.07 $13.75
Efficient EV 71.6 0 $25.06 $11.46
EV Truck/SUV 114.6 1 $40.10 $18.33

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

34 kg (66% 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 Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Cape Girardeau, MO

Afternoon in Cape Girardeau on Saturday

Local time

2:06 PM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bolivar, MO

Afternoon in Bolivar on Saturday

Local time

2:06 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

24 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 44m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

286.4 mi in 5h 44m, mostly highway — 109.5 mi of that is on I 44.

92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 109.5 mi on I 44.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 44 and I 55. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 90.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 5h 44m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 90.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.2 miles (MO M): Navigation decision point; at 130.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Cape Girardeau, MO and Bolivar, MO, road signs point toward Mo M: Antonia and Barnhart.

Mo M: Antonia

90.8 mi in | ~1h 41m

Barnhart

90.8 mi in | ~1h 41m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 44m. Total distance: 286.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 109.5 miles on I 44. 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.

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: at 90.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.2 miles (MO M): Navigation decision point; at 130.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bolivar, MO before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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