Origin
East Independence, MO
Late night in East Independence on Friday
Local time
5:34 AM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from East Independence, MO to Saint James, MO
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 9m
Distance
209.9 mi
338 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 57m
★
6 AM
4h 10m
8 AM
4h 36m
10 AM
4h 19m
12 PM
4h 16m
3 PM
4h 20m
5 PM
4h 35m
8 PM
4h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
East Independence, MO
Momo King
Saint James, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from East Independence, MO to Saint James, MO covers 209.9 miles and takes about 4h 9m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 63, U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 79.1 miles on US 63. At current regular gas prices, budget about $32.82 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
104.9 miles from East Independence, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 58m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 9m. Total distance: 209.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
The drive from East Independence, MO to Saint James, MO covers 209.9 miles and takes about 4h 9m, using a mix of highways and local roads.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 63 is the longest continuous segment at about 79.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 209.9 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 5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.3 miles (US 63 Conn): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
5 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the ramp toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall Entrance
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 17
Toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall E...
6
117.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m in
Take the exit toward US 63: Jefferson City, Moberly
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 128A
Toward US 63: Jefferson City, Moberly
7
117.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m in
|
US 63 Conn
Merge onto US 63 Conn
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
7
146.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 45m in
|
US 63
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63 toward US 63 South, US 50
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 63 South, US 50
9
146.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 45m in
|
US 63
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63 toward US 63 South, US 50 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 63 South, US 50 East
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 East Independence, MO to Saint James, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Moberly along the way.
Moberly
117.1 mi in
|
~2h 12m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 63 | 79.1 mi | 1h 36m |
| U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway | 54.4 mi | 58m |
| Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway | 54.3 mi | 58m |
| MO 68 | 12.9 mi | 19m |
| South Little Blue Parkway | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway | 1.6 mi | 1m |
| Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway | 1.5 mi | 1m |
| South Jackson Drive | 1.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US 63
— 79.1 mi, about 1h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Independence, MO and Saint James, MO.
1
Start on East 9th Street South
79 ft
·
8 sec
·
East 9th Street South
2
Turn left onto Main Road
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Road
3
Turn left onto East Truman Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Truman Road
4
Turn right onto Holke Road
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Holke Road
5
Turn straight onto South Jackson Drive
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
South Jackson Drive
6
Turn left onto East R.D. Mize Road
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
East R.D. Mize Road
7
Turn right onto South Little Blue Parkway
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
South Little Blue Parkway
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 17
Toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall Entrance
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on I 70
53 mi
·
56 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
10
Continue on I 70; US 40
32 mi
·
34 min
·
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
22 mi
·
24 min
·
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
12
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
13
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
14
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 128A
Toward US 63: Jefferson City, Moberly
16
Turn slight right
192 ft
·
4 sec
Toward US 63 South: Jefferson City
17
Merge onto US 63 Conn
521 ft
·
11 sec
·
US 63 Conn
Use the slight right lane.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward US 63 South: Jefferson City
Use the straight lane.
19
Merge onto US 63
27 mi
·
29 min
·
US 63
20
Take the exit onto US 63
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
US 63
Toward US 54 West, US 63 South: Jefferson City
21
Take the exit onto US 63
217 ft
·
4 sec
·
US 63
Toward US 63 South, US 50
22
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
US 63
Toward US 63 South, US 50
23
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
US 63
Toward US 63 South, US 50 East
Use the slight left lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63
12 mi
·
14 min
·
US 63
25
Keep slight right at fork onto US 63
38 mi
·
49 min
·
US 63
Toward US 63 South: Rolla
26
Turn left onto MO 68
13 mi
·
19 min
·
MO 68
Use the left lane.
27
Turn left onto East Washington Street
28 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Washington Street
28
Arrive at destination
East Washington Street
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 104.9 miles from East Independence, MO, or about 1h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.1 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 46 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 104.9 miles or 1h 58m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint James, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving East Independence, 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 East Independence, MO
This is one driving day of about 209.9 miles and 4h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from East Independence, 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 63 for about 79.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 104.9 mi from East Independence, MO · 1h 58m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
105 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 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 104.9 miles from East Independence, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 63 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 79.1 miles.
Arriving in Saint James, MO
The final approach into Saint James, MO usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Saint James, MO.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.82 one way
$65.63 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
73 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $36.03 | $72.06 |
| premium | $4.89 | $40.39 | $80.79 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $46.34 | $92.69 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 73.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 63 | 0 | $22.04 | $10.08 |
| Efficient EV | 52.5 | 0 | $18.37 | $8.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 84 | 1 | $29.39 | $13.43 |
Gas CO2
73 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Destination
Saint James, MO
Late night in Saint James on Friday
Local time
5:34 AM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
Columbia, MO
105 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 9m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from East Independence, MO to Saint James, MO covers 209.9 miles and takes about 4h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 63, U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 104.9 miles from East Independence, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $32.82 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 209.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.3 miles (US 63 Conn): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from East Independence, MO to Saint James, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Moberly along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Saint James, MO
More trips to Saint James, MO
Explore more options from East Independence, MO or browse trips ending in Saint James, MO.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MO road trips.