Trip from St. Louis, MO to Appleton City, MO

Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology

Drive Time

5h 31m

Distance

261.4 mi

421 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

18 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 19m ★

6 AM

5h 32m

8 AM

5h 59m

10 AM

5h 41m

12 PM

5h 39m

3 PM

5h 43m

5 PM

5h 57m

8 PM

5h 24m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

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Appleton City, MO

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

The drive from St. Louis, MO to Appleton City, MO covers 261.4 miles and takes about 5h 31m 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, US 65 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 80.7 miles on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $40.87 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

130.7 miles from St. Louis, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 37m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 31m. Total distance: 261.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (25%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a 5h 31m drive with frequent turns across 261.4 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 21 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 80.7 miles.

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 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in.

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 261.4 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 1.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles (I 64; US 40 / Jack Buck Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 39.7 miles (US 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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.

1.6 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp toward I 64 West, US 40 West: Wentzville

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 64 West, US 40 West: Wentzville

1.9 mi into trip | ~3m in | I 64; US 40 / Jack Buck Memorial Highway

Merge onto I 64; US 40 / Jack Buck Memorial Highway

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

Use the straight lane.

39.7 mi into trip | ~50m in | US 40

Take the exit onto US 40 toward I 70 West, US 40 West: 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 left lanes. Exit 1A Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City

172 mi into trip | ~3h 21m in

Take the exit toward US 65 South: Sedalia

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 78A Toward US 65 South: Sedalia

202.7 mi into trip | ~4h in

Take the exit toward MO 52 West: Windsor

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward MO 52 West: Windsor

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway	80.7 mi	1h 35m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway	45.7 mi	48m
US 65	30.5 mi	38m
Whiteman Road	30.4 mi	45m
MO 52	28.2 mi	45m
Avenue of the Saints	27.8 mi	33m
Daniel Boone Expressway	5.7 mi	7m
Jack Buck Memorial Highway	4.3 mi	5m

Longest stretch: Dwight D Eisenhower Highway — 80.7 mi, about 1h 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between St. Louis, MO and Appleton City, MO.

Start on Market Street

1.6 mi · 3 min · Market Street

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 23 sec

Toward I 64 West, US 40 West: Wentzville

Merge onto I 64; US 40

4.3 mi · 5 min · Jack Buck Memorial Highway

Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 64; US 40

5.7 mi · 7 min · Daniel Boone Expressway

Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 64; US 40; US 61

28 mi · 33 min · Avenue of the Saints

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit onto US 40

0.6 mi · 1 min · US 40

Exit 1A Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Merge onto I 70; US 40

81 mi · 1 hr 35 min · Dwight D Eisenhower Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

2.0 mi · 2 min · Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.6 mi · 1 min · Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.8 mi · 2 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

46 mi · 48 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 37 sec

Exit 78A Toward US 65 South: Sedalia

Merge onto US 65

31 mi · 38 min · US 65

Take the exit

188 ft · 5 sec

Toward MO 52 West: Windsor

Turn right onto MO 52

30 mi · 45 min · Whiteman Road

Take the ramp onto MO 52

9.2 mi · 12 min · MO 52

Take the exit onto MO 52

0.3 mi · 46 sec · MO 52

Toward MO 52 West: Montrose

Turn right onto MO 52

12 mi · 20 min · MO 52

Turn slight left onto MO 52

6.9 mi · 12 min · MO 52

Turn right onto North Walnut Street

13 ft · 0 sec · North Walnut Street

Arrive at destination

North Walnut Street

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 130.7 miles from St. Louis, MO, or about 2h 37m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.7 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 58 miles or 1h 12m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 130.7 miles or 2h 37m 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 18m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO

This is one driving day of about 261.4 miles and 5h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from St. Louis, 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 80.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 130.7 mi from St. Louis, MO · 2h 37m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Washington, MO

131 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

Wentzville, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbia, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 130.7 miles from St. Louis, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Dwight D Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80.7 miles.

Arriving in Appleton City, MO

The final approach into Appleton 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 Appleton City, 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

Mayo Ketchup

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St. Louis, Missouri

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13146962699

Visit website

Frazer's Restaurant & Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St. Louis, Missouri

2.2 mi

Mayo Ketchup

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13146962699

Visit website

Frazer's Restaurant & Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour Expensive

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 5–10 pm

+13147738646

Visit website

Havana's Cuisine Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13143125005

Visit website

Sawmill BBQ Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

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

Sauget, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+16183323000

Visit website

Slim Chickens

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13149327723

Visit website

Pilot EV Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 149.3

Boonville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16608829120

Visit website

Ionna Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 56

Warrenton, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18334662474

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 37.3

Lake St Louis, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 56

Warrenton, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 149.3

Boonville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 37.3

Wentzville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 37.3

Lake St Louis, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006635633

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 37.3

O'Fallon, Missouri

+18889982546

Visit website

St. Louis Union Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+13149233960

Visit website

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

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Gateway Arch National Park

National Park

Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, a...

0 mi from route ~1 min detour $19

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$40.87 one way

$81.73 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 92 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$44.87	$89.74
premium	$4.89	$50.30	$100.61
diesel	$5.61	$57.71	$115.43

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 91.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

18 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Tesla Supercharger

Lake St Louis, Missouri

Tesla

1 DCFC

Blink Charging Station

O'Fallon, Missouri

Blink

1 DCFC

Rivian Adventure Network

Columbia, Missouri

Rivian

1 DCFC

Pilot EV Charging Station

Boonville, Missouri

Other

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Columbia, Missouri

Tesla

1 DCFC

EVgo Charging Station

Wentzville, Missouri

EVgo

1 DCFC

Electrify America Charging Station

Boonville, Missouri

Electrify America

1 DCFC

Ionna Charging Station

Warrenton, Missouri

Other

1 DCFC

Other: 5 Blink: 3 ChargePoint: 3 Tesla: 2 Rivian: 1 EVgo: 1 Electrify America: 1 EV Connect: 1 Tesla Destination: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	78.4	0	$27.45	$12.55
Efficient EV	65.4	0	$22.87	$10.46
EV Truck/SUV	104.6	1	$36.60	$16.73

Gas CO2

91 kg

EV CO2

31 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

St. Louis, MO

Late night in St. Louis on Friday

Local time

1:27 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Appleton City, MO

Late night in Appleton City on Friday

Local time

1:27 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Washington, MO

131 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

5h 31m 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 St. Louis, MO to Appleton City, MO covers 261.4 miles and takes about 5h 31m 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, US 65. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 130.7 miles from St. Louis, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $40.87 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.

The route from St. Louis, MO to Appleton City, MO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Trip from St. Louis, MO to Appleton City, MO

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Appleton City, MO

Nearby Places

Mayo Ketchup

Mayo Ketchup

Frazer's Restaurant & Lounge

Havana's Cuisine Restaurant

Sawmill BBQ Restaurant

Slim Chickens

Pilot EV Charging Station

Ionna Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Electrify America Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

St. Louis Union Station

National Parks Near This Route

Gateway Arch National Park

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

St. Louis, MO

Appleton City, MO

Same local time

Very similar conditions

5h 31m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

Continue From Appleton City, MO

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