Origin
Richland, MO
Afternoon in Richland on Sunday
Local time
2:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Richland, MO to Saint Joseph, MO
Drive Time
4h 55m
Distance
229.7 mi
370 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
Saint Joseph, MO
Andrés Oliver Joya Zapata
Trip Overview
Spanning 229.7 miles across Missouri, this trek from Richland to Saint Joseph typically takes about 4 hours and 55 minutes behind the wheel. Because the total travel time is under five hours, you can comfortably tackle this as a single-day trip without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $35 for fuel to complete the journey, which primarily utilizes MO 7 and I-29. Navigating this corridor allows you to transition across the Midwest, moving from the Richland area toward the Saint Joseph region. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that favors efficiency over sightseeing detours, making it a reliable choice for travelers prioritizing a consistent pace.
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
114.9 miles from Richland, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .
Drive Character
With 92% of the journey spent on highways, you should prepare for a consistent, high-speed travel experience. The route is defined by its long stretches, most notably a 160.6-mile segment on MO 7 that serves as the backbone of your trip. You will find that the personality of the drive remains relatively steady, shifting from the initial local stretches to the more expansive interstate environment of I-29. Because the road is built for efficiency, you can expect a fairly predictable drive that minimizes technical maneuvers or winding turns. It is the type of route where you can settle into a rhythm, especially once you transition onto the major highway arteries.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
MO 7 is the longest continuous segment at about 160.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 7 and I 29. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 137.6 miles in near MO 7.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 229.7 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 137.6 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.4 miles (MO 9): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
137.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 4m 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 none lane.
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kan...
7
175.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 49m 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
6
179.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 57m in
|
MO 9
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 9 toward MO 9 North: Riverside, Parkville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MO 9 North: Riverside, Parkville
7
181.8 mi into trip
|
~4h in
Take the exit toward I 29 North, US 71 North: K.C.I. Airport, Saint Joseph
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 29 North, US 71 North: K.C.I. Airport,...
8
196.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 17m 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. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
Towns Along This Route
Between Richland, MO and Saint Joseph, MO, road signs point toward Clinton, Downtown and Parkville.
Clinton
70 mi in
|
~1h 40m
|
via MO 7
Downtown
175.5 mi in
|
~3h 49m
Parkville
179.4 mi in
|
~3h 57m
|
via MO 9
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MO 7 | 160.6 mi | 3h 27m |
| I 29 | 40.2 mi | 44m |
| West Washington Avenue | 14.8 mi | 22m |
| I 229 | 5.7 mi | 6m |
| MO 9 | 3.9 mi | 7m |
| US 169 | 1.2 mi | 1m |
| Edmond Street | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| East 9th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
MO 7
— 160.6 mi, about 3h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richland, MO and Saint Joseph, MO.
1
Start on MO 133
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
South Pine Street
2
Turn left onto MO 7
15 mi
·
22 min
·
West Washington Avenue
3
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 7
7.6 mi
·
11 min
·
MO 7
4
Take the ramp onto MO 7
10 mi
·
12 min
·
MO 7
Toward MO 5 North, MO 7 North: Sunrise Beach
5
Turn left onto MO 7
37 mi
·
53 min
·
MO 7
6
Take the exit onto MO 7
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
MO 7
Toward MO 7 North: Warsaw, Clinton
7
Turn left onto MO 7
28 mi
·
38 min
·
MO 7
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on MO 7; MO 13; MO 52
39 mi
·
44 min
·
MO 7; MO 13; MO 52
9
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 none lane.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
Toward 11th Street, Downtown
Use the slight right lane.
11
Turn straight onto East 11th Street
425 ft
·
16 sec
·
East 11th Street
Use the left / none lanes.
12
Turn right onto Charlotte Street
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Charlotte Street
13
Turn left onto East 9th Street
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
East 9th Street
14
Turn right onto Locust Street
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Locust Street
15
Continue on MO 9
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
MO 9
Use the none lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 9
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
MO 9
Toward MO 9 North: Riverside, Parkville
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Toward US 169 North: Smithville
18
Continue on US 169
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
US 169
Use the none lane.
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Toward I 29 North, US 71 North: K.C.I. Airport, Saint Joseph
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Merge onto I 29; US 71
12 mi
·
13 min
·
I 29; US 71
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 29; I 435; US 71
2.7 mi
·
2 min
·
I 29; I 435; US 71
Use the none lane.
22
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
Use the none lane.
23
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
Exit 43
Toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
24
Continue on I 229
5.7 mi
·
6 min
·
I 229
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 6A
Toward Central Business District
26
Continue on Edmond Street
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Edmond Street
27
Turn left onto I 29 Business
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
South 10th Street
28
Turn right onto I 29 Business
379 ft
·
6 sec
·
Frederick Avenue
29
Turn slight right onto Walter Welsh Avenue
137 ft
·
2 sec
·
Walter Welsh Avenue
30
Arrive at destination
Walter Welsh Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the nearly five-hour duration, plan to depart early in the morning to avoid midday traffic congestion as you approach Saint Joseph. Since the itinerary includes only one planned stop, use that break strategically to refuel and stretch your legs mid-trip. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the extensive 160.6-mile stretch on MO 7 to ensure you don't run low before reaching more populated service areas. Because this is a highway-focused drive, maintain a steady speed and stay alert for changing traffic patterns when you transition onto I-29. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so feel free to adjust your single stop based on your personal comfort levels.
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 114.9 miles from Richland, MO, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 160.6 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 80 miles or 1h 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.9 miles or 2h 38m 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 8m
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 Richland, 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 Richland, MO
This is one driving day of about 229.7 miles and 4h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Richland, 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 MO 7 for about 160.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 114.9 mi from Richland, MO · 2h 38m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
115 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 114.9 miles from Richland, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before MO 7 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 160.6 miles.
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.
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.89 one way
$69.78 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
80 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $38.46 | $76.92 |
| premium | $4.80 | $43.36 | $86.73 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $51.03 | $102.06 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 68.9 | 0 | $24.12 | $11.03 |
| Efficient EV | 57.4 | 0 | $20.10 | $9.19 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 91.9 | 1 | $32.16 | $14.70 |
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Joseph, MO
Afternoon in Saint Joseph on Sunday
Local time
2:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
56°F
Billings, MO
115 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
12 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
4h 55m 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 Richland, MO to Saint Joseph, MO covers 229.7 miles and takes about 4h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are MO 7, I 29, West Washington Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 114.9 miles from Richland, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.89 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 22 significant decision points across 229.7 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 137.6 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.4 miles (MO 9): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Richland, MO and Saint Joseph, MO, road signs point toward Clinton, Downtown and Parkville.
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