How far is Excelsior Springs, MO from Cape Girardeau, MO?
The driving distance from Excelsior Springs, MO to Cape Girardeau, MO is about 346.2 miles (557.2 km), with a travel time of about 05h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 291.2 miles (468.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 37m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 05h 18m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Osage County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
A saved road route is not available yet, so the map falls back to a straight-line overview.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Excelsior Springs and Cape Girardeau.
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Excelsior Springs and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cape Girardeau.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Excelsior Springs to Cape Girardeau?
The road trip is about 346.2 miles (557.2 km) and usually takes 05h 18m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Freeburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 145.6 miles from Excelsior Springs and 200.6 miles from Cape Girardeau.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 291.2 miles (468.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 55 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $46.08 one way or $92.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 108.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Excelsior Springs and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cape Girardeau.
Stop Ideas Near Freeburg
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Freeburg.
Jefferson City
Hermann
Washington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Excelsior Springs and Cape Girardeau. Straight-line distance: 291.26 mi (468.73 km).
#1 Excelsior Springs
City in Clay County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 11,833 |
| Coordinates | 39.3391700, -94.2260600 |
| Altitude | 239 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cape Girardeau
The second-largest city in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri.
| Population | 41,588 |
| Coordinates | 37.3058800, -89.5181500 |
| Altitude | 108 |
| Country | United States |
End: Broadway Street (-89.518146, 37.305904)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 557 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $46.08 | $92.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $51.97 | $103.94 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $56.87 | $113.74 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $64.81 | $129.63 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Missouri · Apr 11, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.