Origin
Jefferson City, MO
Evening in Jefferson City on Sunday
Local time
7:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Jefferson City, MO to Clayton, MO
Drive Time
2h 30m
Distance
126.4 mi
203 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 20m
★
6 AM
2h 30m
8 AM
2h 50m
10 AM
2h 37m
12 PM
2h 35m
3 PM
2h 38m
5 PM
2h 49m
8 PM
2h 24m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jefferson City, MO
life vibes
Clayton, MO
cottonbro studio
Trip Overview
Connecting Jefferson City to Clayton, this 126.4-mile journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Because the route is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, US 54, and the Avenue of the Saints. Budgeting roughly $19 for fuel should comfortably cover your needs for the one-way transit. Both the starting point in Jefferson City and your arrival in Clayton are situated within the Midwest, providing a consistent regional travel experience throughout the drive.
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
63.2 miles from Jefferson City, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that requires your full attention behind the wheel. While about 26% of this trip involves highway travel, the remainder of the route demands navigating local transitions. You can anticipate a longest uninterrupted stretch of 61.9 miles while traveling along the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. As you progress, the road shifts from fast highway pacing to more technical segments, giving the drive a varied personality. Staying alert is key, as the mix of interstate connectivity and local road segments keeps the driving experience dynamic rather than monotonous.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 61.9 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
894 ft
462 ft
Total Climb
583 ft
Total Descent
651 ft
Highest Point
894 ft
~68.5 mi in
Elevation Range
433 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Jefferson Street.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 126.4 miles you will encounter 13 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 (Jefferson Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.6 miles (US 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Jefferson Street
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.7 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward US 54 East, US 63 North: Fulton, Columbia
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 54 East, US 63 North: Fulton, Columbi...
6
92.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
|
US 40
Take the exit onto US 40 toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Chesterfield
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 210A
Toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Ches...
7
123.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
Take the exit toward I 170 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 31B-A
Toward I 170 North
9
123.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Brentwood Boulevard, Hanley Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 31B
Toward Brentwood Boulevard, Hanley Road
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway | 61.9 mi | 1h 11m |
| US 54 | 29.6 mi | 32m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 27.7 mi | 33m |
| Daniel Boone Expressway | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| South Hanley Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| West McCarty Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| South Service Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Wydown Boulevard | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 61.9 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jefferson City, MO and Clayton, MO.
1
Start on East Wall Way
155 ft
·
13 sec
·
East Wall Way
2
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
251 ft
·
14 sec
·
Jefferson Street
3
Turn right onto West McCarty Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West McCarty Street
4
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward US 54 East, US 63 North: Fulton, Columbia
5
Merge onto US 54; US 63
30 mi
·
32 min
·
US 54; US 63
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Toward I 70 East, US 40 East: Saint Louis
7
Merge onto I 70; US 40
62 mi
·
1 hr 11 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
8
Take the exit onto US 40
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
US 40
Exit 210A
Toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Chesterfield
9
Merge onto I 64; US 40; US 61
28 mi
·
33 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Continue on I 64; US 40
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Daniel Boone Expressway
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
12 sec
Exit 31B-A
Toward I 170 North
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 31B
Toward Brentwood Boulevard, Hanley Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on South Service Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Service Road
Toward Hanley Road
14
Turn left onto South Hanley Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Hanley Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
15
Turn right onto Wydown Boulevard
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Wydown Boulevard
16
Turn right onto Hillvale Drive
178 ft
·
7 sec
·
Hillvale Drive
17
Arrive at destination
Hillvale Drive
Trip Plan
Since this is a manageable 2.5-hour trip, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience without feeling rushed. Planning for at least one stop will help you break up the drive and stay refreshed, especially given the turn-heavy nature of the local segments. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before starting, as the $19 estimate is based on typical consumption for this distance. Given the route's structure, try to avoid peak traffic times when transitioning between highway stretches and local roads. Prioritize a consistent pace during the 61.9-mile stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway to make the most of the most efficient part of your journey.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 63.2 miles from Jefferson City, MO, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.9 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 80 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 63.2 miles or 1h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clayton, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO
This is one driving day of about 126.4 miles and 2h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Jefferson City, 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 Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 61.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 63.2 mi from Jefferson City, MO · 1h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
63 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 63.2 miles from Jefferson City, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.9 miles.
Arriving in Clayton, MO
The final approach into Clayton, 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 Clayton, 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
$19.20 one way
$38.40 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
44 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $21.16 | $42.33 |
| premium | $4.80 | $23.86 | $47.72 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $28.08 | $56.16 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 44.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 37.9 | 0 | $13.27 | $6.07 |
| Efficient EV | 31.6 | 0 | $11.06 | $5.06 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 50.6 | 0 | $17.70 | $8.09 |
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 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
Clayton, MO
Evening in Clayton on Sunday
Local time
7:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°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
30 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
2h 30m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Jefferson City, MO to Clayton, MO covers 126.4 miles and takes about 2h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, US 54, Avenue of the Saints. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 63.2 miles from Jefferson City, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.20 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 126.4 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Jefferson Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.6 miles (US 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Jefferson City, MO to Clayton, MO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 462 ft to 894 ft elevation with about 583 ft of total climbing.
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