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Trip from La Monte, MO to Saint Joseph, MO

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 35m

Distance

133.1 mi

214 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 25m ★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 43m
12 PM
2h 41m
3 PM
2h 44m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m

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 La Monte, MO, MO

La Monte, MO

Anatolii Maks

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

Saint Joseph, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from La Monte, MO to Saint Joseph, MO covers 133.1 miles and takes about 2h 35m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 50, I 435, I 29 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 57.2 miles on US 50. At current regular gas prices, budget about $20.81 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

66.5 miles from La Monte, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 35m. Total distance: 133.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 2h 35m highway drive covering 133.1 miles, with most of the trip on US 50 and I 435. The longest continuous stretch is about 57.2 miles on US 50.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 50 is the longest continuous segment at about 57.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 50 and I 435. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in near US 50; MO 127.

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 133.1 miles you will encounter 11 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: at 0.9 miles (US 50; MO 127): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 65.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 66.3 miles (I 435): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
0.9 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 50; MO 127

Merge onto US 50; MO 127

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
65.9 mi into trip | ~1h 20m 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
66.3 mi into trip | ~1h 20m in | I 435

Merge onto I 435

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
99.9 mi into trip | ~1h 57m 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
5
125.9 mi into trip | ~2h 25m in

Take the exit toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 43 Toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 50 57.2 mi 1h 6m
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
South Main Street 0.7 mi 1m
Edmond Street 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 50 — 57.2 mi, about 1h 6m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Pine Street

219 ft · 11 sec · West Pine Street
2

Turn right onto MO 127

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
3

At end of road, turn right onto MO 127

0.1 mi · 14 sec · Front Street
4

Take the ramp

146 ft · 4 sec
5

Merge onto US 50; MO 127

57 mi · 1 hr 6 min · US 50; MO 127
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on MO 350

7.7 mi · 11 min · Blue Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 39 sec
Toward I 435 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Merge onto I 435

11 mi · 13 min · I 435
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on I435 N

1.3 mi · 1 min · I435 N
10

Continue on I 435

21 mi · 22 min · I 435
11

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
12

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 54 sec
Exit 43 Toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
13

Continue on I 229

5.7 mi · 6 min · I 229
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Exit 6A Toward Central Business District
15

Continue on Edmond Street

0.5 mi · 57 sec · Edmond Street
16

Turn left onto I 29 Business

0.2 mi · 20 sec · South 10th Street
17

Turn right onto I 29 Business

379 ft · 6 sec · Frederick Avenue
18

Turn slight right onto Walter Welsh Avenue

137 ft · 2 sec · Walter Welsh Avenue
19

Arrive at destination

Walter Welsh Avenue

Trip Plan

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 66.5 miles from La Monte, MO, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.2 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 29 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 66.5 miles or 1h 21m 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 7m

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 La Monte, 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 La Monte, MO

This is one driving day of about 133.1 miles and 2h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from La Monte, 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 57.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 66.5 mi from La Monte, MO · 1h 21m into the drive

city in Jackson County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Raytown, MO

67 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

Holden, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Raytown, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 66.5 miles from La Monte, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Saint Joseph, MO

The final approach into Saint Joseph, 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 Joseph, MO.

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 133.1

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 133.1

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 133.1

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 133.1

St Joseph, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18162593284

Visit website

Nelle Belle's Diner

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 76.1

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18162161474

Wolcano Teppanyaki

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 76.1

North Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18168281200

Visit website

Queen Sweets And Mediterranean Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 76.1

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+18164628252

Visit website

Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 76.1

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18164210002

Visit website

Chef Tito´s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 76.1

North Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 4–9 pm

+18168414700

Visit website

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 76.1

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Glore Psychiatric Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 133.1

St Joseph, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18162328471

Visit website

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 85.6

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+18167922655

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.81 one way

$41.62 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $22.85 $45.69
premium $4.89 $25.61 $51.23
diesel $5.61 $29.39 $58.77

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 46.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 39.9 0 $13.98 $6.39
Efficient EV 33.3 0 $11.65 $5.32
EV Truck/SUV 53.2 0 $18.63 $8.52

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 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 15, 2026

Origin

La Monte, MO

Afternoon in La Monte on Friday

Local time

2:49 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Saint Joseph, MO

Afternoon in Saint Joseph on Friday

Local time

2:49 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°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

21 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 35m 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 La Monte, MO to Saint Joseph, MO covers 133.1 miles and takes about 2h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 50, I 435, I 29. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 66.5 miles from La Monte, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.81 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 133.1 miles you will encounter 11 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: at 0.9 miles (US 50; MO 127): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 65.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 66.3 miles (I 435): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

The route from La Monte, MO to Saint Joseph, MO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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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