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Trip from Poplar Bluff, MO to Kansas City, MO

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

7h 2m

Distance

356.1 mi

573 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$56

one way

EV Charging

Good

9 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
6h 51m ★
6 AM
7h 2m
8 AM
7h 25m
10 AM
7h 10m
12 PM
7h 8m
3 PM
7h 11m
5 PM
7h 23m
8 PM
6h 55m

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 and county seat of Butler County, Missouri, United States

Poplar Bluff, MO

Wikimedia Commons

city in Missouri, United States, that is one of two county seats of Jackson County and the largest city in Missouri

Kansas City, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking on a road trip from Poplar Bluff, MO, to Kansas City, MO, covers 356.1 miles and is estimated to take about 7 hours and 2 minutes of driving time. This drive is primarily a highway-focused experience, with 97% of the route utilizing major roads like US 60 and MO 7. Given its duration, this trip is well-suited for a single day, though you might consider an overnight stop if you prefer a more relaxed pace. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $56. You'll be traveling within the Midwest region for the entirety of this route, experiencing a consistent Midwestern landscape.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

178.1 miles from Poplar Bluff, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 31m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 2m. Total distance: 356.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 2m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Drive Character

This is a predominantly highway-focused drive, making it efficient for covering distance. You'll spend the vast majority of your time on well-maintained roads, with US 60 serving as the backbone for a significant portion of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 176.6 miles on US 60. While the highway share is high at 97%, the route incorporates US 60 and MO 7, offering a consistent driving experience without excessive city traffic or complex interchanges for most of the trip.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 60 is the longest continuous segment at about 176.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 60 and North Kansas Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 194.2 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 13 significant decision points across 356.1 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 194.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 194.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 194.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

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

5
194.2 mi into trip | ~3h 51m in

Take the exit toward MO 13: Bolivar

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 77 Toward MO 13: Bolivar
7
194.3 mi into trip | ~3h 52m in

Keep slight left at fork toward MO 13: Bolivar

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 77 Toward MO 13: Bolivar
7
194.3 mi into trip | ~3h 52m in

Keep slight right at fork toward MO 13 North: Bolivar

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 77 Toward MO 13 North: Bolivar
7
317.5 mi into trip | ~6h 14m in | MO 7

Take the exit onto MO 7 toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kan...
7
355.4 mi into trip | ~7h in

Take the exit toward 11th Street, Downtown

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward 11th Street, Downtown

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 60 176.6 mi 3h 28m
North Kansas Expressway 87.2 mi 1h 42m
MO 7 73.9 mi 1h 24m
Schoolcraft Freeway 8.1 mi 10m
Payne Stewart Highway 4.1 mi 5m
North Westwood Boulevard 2.9 mi 4m
West Pine Street 0.8 mi 1m
US 67 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 60 — 176.6 mi, about 3h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Poplar Bluff, MO and Kansas City, MO.

1

Start on US 60 Business

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Pine Street
2

Turn right onto US 60 Business; US 67 Business

1.3 mi · 2 min · North Westwood Boulevard
3

Continue on US 60 Business; US 67 Business

0.3 mi · 25 sec · State Street
4

Continue on US 60 Business; US 67 Business

1.6 mi · 2 min · North Westwood Boulevard
5

Continue on US 67; US 60 Business

0.4 mi · 37 sec · US 67; US 60 Business
6

Continue on US 60; US 67

4.0 mi · 4 min · US 60; US 67
7

Take the exit onto US 60

173 mi · 3 hr 23 min · US 60
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward US 65 North: Sedalia
9

Merge onto US 65

8.1 mi · 10 min · Schoolcraft Freeway
10

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 44 West: Joplin
11

Merge onto I 44

4.1 mi · 5 min · Payne Stewart Highway
12

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 14 sec
Exit 77 Toward MO 13: Bolivar
13

Keep slight left at fork

150 ft · 3 sec
Exit 77 Toward MO 13: Bolivar
14

Keep slight right at fork

209 ft · 7 sec
Exit 77 Toward MO 13 North: Bolivar
15

Merge onto MO 13

87 mi · 1 hr 42 min · North Kansas Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
16

Continue on MO 7

36 mi · 39 min · MO 7
17

Take the exit onto MO 7

38 mi · 45 min · MO 7
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 25 sec
Toward 11th Street, Downtown Use the slight right lane.
19

Turn straight onto East 11th Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · East 11th Street
Use the left lane.
20

Turn left onto Oak Street

461 ft · 15 sec · Oak Street
21

Arrive at destination

Oak Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 7-hour drive from Poplar Bluff to Kansas City, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic. With only two recommended stops, you can be strategic about where you refuel and stretch your legs. The longest stretch without a significant road change is over 176 miles on US 60, so plan your fuel and break accordingly before hitting that segment. This drive is manageable in one day, but if you find yourself wanting to break it up, the flexibility of a single-day trip means you can adjust on the fly.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 178.1 miles from Poplar Bluff, MO, or about 3h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 176.6 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 78 miles or 1h 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 178.1 miles or 3h 31m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 51m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Poplar Bluff, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Poplar Bluff, MO

This is one driving day of about 356.1 miles and 7h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 78 miles from Poplar Bluff, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 60 for about 176.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 178.1 mi from Poplar Bluff, MO · 3h 31m into the drive

city in Missouri, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Billings, MO

178 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

Billings, MO to Kansas City, MO

182.2 mi · 3h 38m

Pacing Suggestions

Houston, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 78 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Billings, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 178.1 miles from Poplar Bluff, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 60 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 176.6 miles.

Arriving in Kansas City, MO

The final approach into Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

National Battlefield

Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and where the first Union general was killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focuse...

11 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 184.2
Caution: BE AWARE OF HIGH-WATER DANGER
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$55.67 one way

$111.34 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 125 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $61.13 $122.25
premium $4.89 $68.53 $137.06
diesel $5.61 $78.62 $157.24

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$56

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$81–$106

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 124.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

9 DC fast chargers · Coverage: good

Dynamic ev Charging Station

Ozark, Missouri

Other

1 DCFC

Dynamic EV Charging Station

Springfield, Missouri

Other

1 DCFC

Francis Energy Charging Station

Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Other

1 DCFC

EV Connect Charging Station

Osceola, Missouri

EV Connect

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ozark, Missouri

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

DynamicEVC Charging Station

Springfield, Missouri

Other

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Springfield, Missouri

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Blink Charging Station

Springfield, Missouri

Blink

1 DCFC

Other: 4 ChargePoint: 3 EV Connect: 1 Blink: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 106.8 1 $37.39 $17.09
Efficient EV 89 1 $31.16 $14.24
EV Truck/SUV 142.4 1 $49.85 $22.79

Gas CO2

125 kg

EV CO2

42 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 16, 2026

Origin

Poplar Bluff, MO

Afternoon in Poplar Bluff on Thursday

Local time

1:40 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Kansas City, MO

Afternoon in Kansas City on Thursday

Local time

1:40 PM

CDT

Current temp

83°F

Sunny

SSW 3 to 10 mph 2% chance Live forecast

73°F

Billings, MO

178 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

7 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

7h 2m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Poplar Bluff, MO to Kansas City, MO covers 356.1 miles and takes about 7h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 60, North Kansas Expressway, MO 7. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 178.1 miles from Poplar Bluff, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $55.67 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks 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 13 significant decision points across 356.1 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 194.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 194.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 194.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
The route from Poplar Bluff, MO to Kansas City, MO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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