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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesSouth USAMissouriMissouri
St. Louis

Missouri Road Trip

St. Louis - Hannibal - Keokuk - Bethany - Kansas City - Warsaw - Jefferson City - Poplar Bluff - Cape Girardeau

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Wildlife Wildlife
Missouri Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages9 km1,937 h/stage2.7

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Missouri Road Trip in Missouri?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 540EUR drive & more 263EUR sleep & more 946EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,073EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,613EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 648EUR drive & more 350EUR sleep & more 1,430EUR eat & more 1,296EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,076EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,724EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,080EUR drive & more 475EUR sleep & more 2,376EUR eat & more 1,728EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 4,579EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,659EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,700EUR drive & more 525EUR sleep & more 660EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,049EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,749EUR
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Missouri Road Trip Itinerary

Take a journey through the heart of Missouri on this incredible road trip! Start your adventure in St. Louis, and make your way to Hannibal, a historic town on the banks of the Mississippi River. Explore Mark Twain's favorite childhood home and the many unique attractions this town has to offer. From there, make your way to Bethany, a small town with a big heart and plenty of outdoor activities. The next stop is Warsaw, where you'll find a number of historic sites and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Continue your journey to Jefferson City, the state capital, where you can explore the old capitol building and learn more about the history of the state. Finally, end your journey in Poplar Bluff, a charming small town with plenty of outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown area. This road trip covers a distance of about 1937 km and can be completed in 12 days. The best time to drive this route is in the summer when the weather is warm and the roads are in good condition. Be aware that some of the roads along this route are curvy and may require extra caution. With a moderate budget, this road trip is suitable for every driver and offers an unforgettable experience.
number of days 12 number of days
route length 1,937 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START St. Louis

Distance 1,937 km Driving time 24.5 h Pace: fast 581.2 kWh Airports STL
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St. Louis, Missouri is a perfect starting point for the Missouri Road Trip. Located on the banks of the Mississippi, St. Louis is known for its world-famous Gateway Arch, the symbol of the city and the starting point for the city’s vibrant urban culture. St. Louis is also home to the iconic Anheuser-Busch Brewery, the City Museum, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the St. Louis Zoo. The closest international airport to St. Louis is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL). Car rental services are available at the airport, and visitors can explore the city and its surroundings in their own time. For a taste of the city’s history, visitors can take a walk along the cobblestone streets of the historic Soulard neighborhood, or take a stroll through the lush grounds of Forest Park. The City Museum, located in the former International Shoe Company building, is a must-see for its unique interactive and educational exhibits. No visit to St. Louis is complete without a trip to the iconic Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the United States. The Arch is a symbol of St. Louis’s pioneering spirit and its role as the starting point of the Louisiana Purchase. The Missouri Road Trip starts in St. Louis, where visitors can experience the city’s exciting urban culture and its rich history. From the iconic Gateway Arch to the historic Soulard neighborhood, St. Louis is a great place to start a journey.

1 St. Louis - Hannibal

Distance 224 km Driving time 2.9 h Pace: fast 67.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options interesting  historic site EV charging station dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready for a great road trip from St. Louis, United States to Hannibal? This 139-mile journey will take you less than three hours and you will get to visit some of the most interesting places in the region. Start off your journey in St. Louis and don’t forget to check out the iconic Gateway Arch and the Missouri Botanical Garden. After that, you can travel along the scenic roads and admire the beautiful views of the countryside. On your way to Hannibal, you can visit the Mark Twain Cave Complex, a great place to learn about the history of the area. Then, you can explore the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum and the Rockcliffe Mansion. Finally, you will reach Hannibal, a charming town with plenty of attractions to see. Here, you can visit the Mark Twain Museum, the Mark Twain Cave and the Sawyer’s Creek Fun Park. More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to explore the Midwest and have an amazing road trip!

2 Hannibal - Keokuk

Distance 111 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: fast 33.2 kWh View map Itinerary
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Start your road-trip in the small town of Hannibal, Missouri, located on the banks of the Mississippi River. This is the birthplace of Mark Twain and is home to many historical attractions, including the Boyhood Home of Mark Twain, the Mark Twain Cave Complex, and the Mark Twain Museum. From Hannibal, you'll drive 69 miles to Keokuk, Iowa, a journey that will take you just under two hours. Along the way, you'll pass through the rolling hills of the Mississippi River valley, and you'll have the opportunity to visit the towns of Palmyra and Montrose. In Palmyra, you can visit the Palmyra Historical Museum and the Palmyra Aqueduct, a historic canal that was once used to transport goods and passengers along the river. Montrose is home to the Montrose Covered Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Missouri. Once you arrive in Keokuk, you can explore the town's many historical attractions, including the Old Fort Madison, the Chief Keokuk Statue, and the Grandview Park. You can also take a tour of the Lock and Dam 19, a historic site that was once used by steamboats to traverse the river. This is just one stage of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the Itinerary of this stage. So, get ready for an adventure and start your road-trip in Hannibal!

3 Keokuk - Bethany

Distance 252 km Driving time 2.9 h Pace: fast 75.5 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options EV charging station dining venues
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Keokuk to Bethany? This 156mi stage is a perfect opportunity to explore the Midwest of the United States. The journey will take you fewer than 3 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to visit the most interesting places along the way. In Keokuk, you can explore the amazing views of the Mississippi River and its dams. The city is full of interesting places, such as the Rand Park, the Geode State Park, and the Chief Keokuk Statue. When you reach Bethany, you can visit the historical sites of the city. The Bethany Historic District is a great place to learn more about the history of the region. You can also visit the Bethany College, the oldest college in the region. Don’t forget to check the “Itinerary” of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a safe and exciting journey!

4 Bethany - Kansas City

Distance 226 km Driving time 2.6 h Pace: fast 67.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options EV charging station dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Bethany to Kansas City? This 141 miles journey will take you less than 3 hours and you will find many interesting places to visit along the way. Start your road trip in Bethany, where you can explore the amazing history of the city. Visit the historical sites such as the Bethany Opera House and the Bethany Cemetery. Enjoy the beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Continue your journey to Kansas City, where you will find plenty of attractions to explore. Visit the Kansas City Zoo, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Enjoy the scenic views of the Missouri River and the city skyline. Don't forget to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

5 Kansas City - Warsaw

Distance 179 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: fast 53.8 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Kansas City, United States to Warsaw? This stage of your journey is 111mi and will take you fewer than 2 hours to drive. Your first stop should be in Kansas City, where you can visit the iconic Union Station, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Then, you can continue your journey to Warsaw. Here, you can visit the historical sites of the Little House on the Prairie, the Jesse James Bank Museum, and the Old Drum Statue. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

6 Warsaw - Jefferson City

Distance 186 km Driving time 2.8 h Pace: fast 55.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Embark on a 115 mile road trip from Warsaw to Jefferson City that will take you less than 3 hours! Along the way, you will pass through some of the most beautiful and scenic roads in the Midwest. The winding roads offer breathtaking views and a chance to take in all the beauty of the countryside. Make sure to keep your eyes open for interesting sights and take in the fresh air! Once you reach Jefferson City, you will find a plethora of attractions to explore. Take a stroll through the Capitol Building, visit the Missouri State Penitentiary, or take a relaxing walk along the Missouri River. There are plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore, and you can even find some unique souvenirs to take home. This road trip is part of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Start planning your trip today and enjoy the sights and sounds of Warsaw and Jefferson City!

7 Jefferson City - Poplar Bluff

Distance 359 km Driving time 4.5 h Pace: fast 107.8 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Are you ready to explore the American Midwest? Then join us on a road trip from Jefferson City to Poplar Bluff! This 223mi journey will take you less than 5 hours to complete, and you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the countryside. Along the route, you'll find plenty of winding roads, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any scenic spots. There are plenty of attractions to visit in Jefferson City and Poplar Bluff, so make sure to check out the local museums, parks, and monuments. Don't forget to stop at the local restaurants and cafes for some delicious food! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!

8 Poplar Bluff - Cape Girardeau

Distance 134 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: fast 40.1 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options dining venues
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip experience? Starting in Poplar Bluff and ending in Cape Girardeau, this 83mi stage of your journey will take you less than two hours. The first stop is at the St. Francois State Park, where you can explore the beauty of the Missouri Ozarks and find many outdoor activities to enjoy. The next stop is at the historic downtown of Poplar Bluff, where you can check out the local shops, galleries, and restaurants. Then, you can visit the Trail of Tears State Park, where you can learn about the tragic history of the Cherokee people. The journey continues to Cape Girardeau, where you can visit the Apple Creek Conservation Area, the Cape Girardeau Conservation Area, and the Shawnee Park. Here, you can find many trails for hiking and biking, as well as picnic areas and a lake for fishing. At the end of the stage, make sure to visit the iconic Cape Girardeau riverfront. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll along the Mississippi River and admire the views of the city skyline. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

9 Cape Girardeau - St. Louis

Distance 266 km Driving time 3.7 h Pace: fast 79.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options EV charging station dining venues
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Cape Girardeau to St. Louis. This is one of the most interesting stages of the tour and it will take you fewer than 4 hours to drive 165 miles. Start your adventure in Cape Girardeau and visit the stunning Old St. Vincent's Church, an old Catholic church built in 1859. After that, you can take a stroll through the historic downtown area and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the buildings. Afterwards, head to St. Louis and visit the iconic Gateway Arch, a national monument that stands 630 feet tall and is a symbol of the city. You can also visit the Missouri History Museum, which has a wide variety of exhibits, and the St. Louis Zoo, one of the oldest and best zoos in the country. For a more relaxing experience, you can take a boat ride on the Mississippi River or take a stroll through Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

  St. Louis

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The final destination of the Missouri Road Trip is St. Louis, a city full of exciting attractions and experiences. Located on the western bank of the Mississippi River, this vibrant city is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the Arch and enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Sports fans can catch a game at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Music lovers can enjoy a show at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra or the Fox Theatre. Art enthusiasts will be delighted to visit the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, and the City Museum. The zoo and the Missouri Botanical Garden are perfect for a family day out. For those looking for a unique experience, visitors can take a ride in the Saint Louis Wheel, the tallest Ferris wheel in the United States. St. Louis is also host to an array of restaurants, bars and nightlife spots. The city has a lively music scene, with many local venues showcasing blues, jazz, and rock. The closest international airport to St. Louis is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), which is located just 12 miles northwest of the city. From there, travelers can rent a car and explore the city at their own pace. The Missouri Road Trip ends in St. Louis, a city full of cultural attractions and entertainment. Whether you are looking for a unique experience or an exciting night out, St. Louis has something for everyone.

Missouri Road Trip at a glance

Surely, the presented Missouri Road Trip has inspired you.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a base that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting tourist attractions of your choice.
If travelling by car is your plan when moving around Missouri, there are a number of important traffic regulations to follow and a number of things to keep in mind to turn your journey into pure pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who are interested in vehicle rental or camper hire in Missouri.
It is important to keep in mind the local road regulations when driving around Missouri. When moving around Missouri in a car, try to avoid spirits at all. Drivers ought to remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is rather low and amounts to only 0.5‰. The maximum allowed speed inside the cities is 40km/h. In non-build-up areas, holidayers can travel at the maximum speed of 72km/h. When travelling on motorways, the allowed speed is 129km/h. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit greatly increase the safety.
How about the costs of the trip? The budget option that you go for determines the total cost of the whole adventure. Take a look at the available budget options.
We estimate that the cheapest offer when it comes to gasoline to cover the planned 1,937km while travelling around Missouri can cost around 263 EUR. Economy accommodation options may cost tourists more or less 946 EUR. Tourists who go for this option will spend about 864 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay about 540 EUR if they go for the cheapest car rental offer as well. Thus, the estimated cost of the whole trip will amount to 2,073 EUR if you are interested in the option without vehicle rental and 2,613 EUR if you will hire a car.
Tourists who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay roughly 350 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the tour. Cost amounting to 1,430 EUR can be expected by all travellers who are searching for standard accommodation. Food and restaurants from the standard range will cost around 1,296 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental vehicle should expect a cost of around 648 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay approximately 3,724 EUR for the whole road trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend about 3,076 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding drivers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 5,659 EUR for drivers who are considering vehicle hire and 3,076 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who want to cover the itinerary in a premium rental car can expect a cost of approximately 1,080 EUR. When it comes to the top standard option of the itinerary, you need to spend the maximum of 475 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. Tourists who would like to go for top services in all aspects of their tour should expect to pay roughly 1,728 EUR for food and restaurants and roughly 2,376 EUR for accommodation options.
Missouri Road Trip is also perfect for camper enthusiasts. You have to pay around 2,700 EUR for camper hire service. You have to spend the maximum of 525 EUR on the gasoline required to cover the tour in a camper. Camper fans should expect to pay approximately 864 EUR for expenses connected with food and roughly 660 EUR for accommodation.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the above details in a simple manner.
The period between May and October is perfect to explore the part of Missouri mentioned in our road trip idea. If you like Missouri Road Trip, you should see other intriguing road trips that are available on our website. We hope that the wide spectrum of options will surely cater to the needs of the most demanding holidayers.

Facts for safer driving in Missouri

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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