Kansas City to St. Louis is a 250-mile east-west drive across Missouri on I-70 — the most direct connection between two cities that define Missouri's identity. The drive passes through the rolling Missouri River valley and Columbia, home of the University of Missouri.
This is one of Missouri's BBQ corridors — both Kansas City and St. Louis have their own distinct barbecue styles, and the debate between them is a genuinely serious matter of state pride.
Stops Along the Way
A lively college town with good food, brew pubs, and the University of Missouri campus — the natural halfway stop on I-70.
Tips for This Trip
The BBQ question must be settled
Kansas City BBQ (burnt ends, thick sauce) vs St. Louis BBQ (pork steaks, Maull's sauce) — try both and form your opinion.
I-70 construction zones are frequent
Missouri's I-70 is in an extended renovation program with recurring construction zones. Allow extra time and watch for lane changes.
Columbia deserves a lunch stop
The University of Missouri's college town has excellent food options — better than most comparable towns on Midwestern interstates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
St. Louis is about 220 miles (354 km) from Kansas City in a straight line, and approximately 250 miles (402 km) by road via Interstate 70 east through Columbia, Missouri.