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Trip from Saint Martins, 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

3h 55m

Distance

200.6 mi

323 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 42m ★
6 AM
3h 55m
8 AM
4h 21m
10 AM
4h 4m
12 PM
4h 2m
3 PM
4h 6m
5 PM
4h 20m
8 PM
3h 48m

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 Saint Martins, MO, MO

Saint Martins, MO

Abdulmomen Bsruki

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

Saint Joseph, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Saint Martins, MO to Saint Joseph, MO covers 200.6 miles and takes about 3h 55m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, I 29 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 52.5 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $31.36 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

100.3 miles from Saint Martins, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 3m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 55m. Total distance: 200.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (44%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

The drive from Saint Martins, MO to Saint Joseph, MO covers 200.6 miles and takes about 3h 55m, 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 24 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 52.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.1 miles in near MO 179.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 200.6 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 5.1 miles (MO 179): Navigation decision point; at 136.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 167.4 miles (I 29; US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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
5.1 mi into trip | ~9m in | MO 179

At end of road, turn left onto MO 179

Navigation decision point

8
136.3 mi into trip | ~2h 42m in

Take the exit toward I 435 North, US 24 East: Des Moines

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. Exit 8B Toward I 435 North, US 24 East: Des Moines
6
167.4 mi into trip | ~3h 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. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
5
193.4 mi into trip | ~3h 45m 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
5
199.6 mi into trip | ~3h 53m in

Take the exit toward Central Business District

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 6A Toward Central Business District

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 52.5 mi 56m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway 36.8 mi 39m
I 29 26 mi 27m
I 435 20.9 mi 22m
MO 179 19.6 mi 27m
MO 87 13.9 mi 19m
Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway 7.8 mi 9m
I 229 5.7 mi 6m
Longest stretch: Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway — 52.5 mi, about 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Business 50 West

0.7 mi · 1 min · Business 50 West
2

Turn left onto MO T

4.4 mi · 7 min · MO T
3

At end of road, turn left onto MO 179

20 mi · 27 min · MO 179
4

Continue on MO 87

14 mi · 19 min · MO 87
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward I 70 West: Kansas City
6

Merge onto I 70

37 mi · 39 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
7

Continue on I 70; US 40

52 mi · 56 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
8

Continue on I 70

2.7 mi · 3 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
9

Continue on I 70

1.8 mi · 2 min · Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on I 70

2.9 mi · 3 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
11

Continue on I 70

0.8 mi · 58 sec · George Brett Super Highway
12

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 2 min
Exit 8B Toward I 435 North, US 24 East: Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Merge onto I 435; US 24

7.8 mi · 9 min · Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
14

Continue on I435 N

1.3 mi · 1 min · I435 N
15

Continue on I 435

21 mi · 22 min · I 435
16

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
17

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 54 sec
Exit 43 Toward I 229 North: Downtown Saint Joseph
18

Continue on I 229

5.7 mi · 6 min · I 229
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Exit 6A Toward Central Business District
20

Continue on Edmond Street

0.5 mi · 57 sec · Edmond Street
21

Turn left onto I 29 Business

0.2 mi · 20 sec · South 10th Street
22

Turn right onto I 29 Business

379 ft · 6 sec · Frederick Avenue
23

Turn slight right onto Walter Welsh Avenue

137 ft · 2 sec · Walter Welsh Avenue
24

Arrive at destination

Walter Welsh Avenue

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 100.3 miles from Saint Martins, MO, or about 2h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.5 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 44 miles or 1h 2m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 100.3 miles or 2h 3m 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 14m

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 Saint Martins, 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 Saint Martins, MO

This is one driving day of about 200.6 miles and 3h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Saint Martins, 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 52.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 100.3 mi from Saint Martins, MO · 2h 3m into the drive

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Warrensburg, MO

100 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

New Franklin, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Warrensburg, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 100.3 miles from Saint Martins, 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

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Independence, Missouri

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 128.8

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18167955520

Visit website

El Canelo Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elwood, Kansas

1.9 mi

Le Peep

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Joseph, Missouri

2.7 mi

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 128.8

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18167955520

Visit website

El Canelo Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.3

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 200.3

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 200.3

St Joseph, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18162593284

Visit website

Nelle Belle's Diner

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 143.1

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18162161474

Wolcano Teppanyaki

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 143.1

North Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18168281200

Visit website

Queen Sweets And Mediterranean Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 143.1

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+18164628252

Visit website

Thailand Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 128.8

Blue Springs, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+18162293292

Visit website

Core Coffee & Eatery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 143.1

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18162875027

Visit website

Pilot EV Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 42.9

Boonville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16608829120

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 42.9

Boonville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 42.9

Boonville, Missouri

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 100.2

Higginsville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16602071324

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 42.9

Boonville, Missouri

+18668167584

ChargePoint Charging Station

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 57.2

Nelson, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Glore Psychiatric Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 200.3

St Joseph, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18162328471

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.36 one way

$62.72 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 70 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $34.43 $68.87
premium $4.89 $38.60 $77.21
diesel $5.61 $44.29 $88.58

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 70.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 60.2 0 $21.06 $9.63
Efficient EV 50.2 0 $17.55 $8.02
EV Truck/SUV 80.2 1 $28.08 $12.84

Gas CO2

70 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (67% 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

Saint Martins, MO

Afternoon in Saint Martins on Friday

Local time

3:28 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Saint Joseph, MO

Afternoon in Saint Joseph on Friday

Local time

3:28 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

17 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

3h 55m 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 Saint Martins, MO to Saint Joseph, MO covers 200.6 miles and takes about 3h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, I 29. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 100.3 miles from Saint Martins, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.36 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 200.6 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 5.1 miles (MO 179): Navigation decision point; at 136.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 167.4 miles (I 29; US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

The route from Saint Martins, 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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