How far is Saint Joseph, MO from Vandalia, MO?
The driving distance from Saint Joseph, MO to Vandalia, MO is about 212.7 miles (342.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 181.7 miles (292.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 47m 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 04h 23m.
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.
City in Linn County, Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Joseph and Vandalia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Joseph and Vandalia.
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1
Start on Walter Welsh Avenue
127 m · 9 sec · Walter Welsh Avenue
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2
Turn slight left onto Jules Street
3176 ft · 1 min · Jules Street
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3
Turn right onto North 22nd Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · North 22nd Street
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4
Take the ramp right toward US 36 East: Cameron
1470 ft · 23 sec
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5
Merge slight left
151.6 mi · 2 hr 56 min
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6
Turn right onto West Maple Street
1.5 km · 2 min · West Maple Street
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7
Turn right onto North Center Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North Center Street
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8
Continue on South Center Street
536 ft · 9 sec · South Center Street
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9
Continue on East Shelbina Avenue
11.8 mi · 17 min · East Shelbina Avenue
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10
Turn straight
2.3 mi · 3 min
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11
Continue straight
1.3 mi · 2 min
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12
Turn right
51 m · 8 sec
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13
At the end of the road, turn left
1.8 mi · 3 min
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14
Turn right
8.9 mi · 12 min
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15
Turn right
2.7 mi · 5 min
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16
Turn left
8.7 mi · 13 min
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17
Continue straight
10.3 mi · 12 min
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18
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward the route
85 m · 3 sec
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19
Exit the roundabout
8.9 mi · 13 min
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20
Turn left onto North Main Street
15 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Joseph and Vandalia.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 36 East
Merge slight left
152 mi · 02h 56m
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.
Sunny leaving Saint Joseph and Sunny near Vandalia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Joseph to Vandalia?
The road trip is about 212.7 miles (342.3 km) and usually takes 04h 23m 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?
Bucklin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 106.2 miles from Saint Joseph and 106.6 miles from Vandalia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 181.7 miles (292.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 31 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 8:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.32 one way or $56.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 66.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Saint Joseph and Sunny near Vandalia.
Stop Ideas Near Bucklin
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 Bucklin.
La Plata
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Joseph and Vandalia. Straight-line distance: 181.7 mi (292.41 km).
#1 Saint Joseph
The most populous city in Buchanan County, Missouri.
| Population | 74,074 |
| Coordinates | 39.7686100, -94.8466300 |
| Altitude | 270 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Vandalia
City in Audrain and Ralls Counties, Missouri, USA
| Population | 3,496 |
| Coordinates | 39.3108700, -91.4884900 |
| Altitude | 232 |
| Country | United States |
End: Vandalia (-91.48849, 39.31087)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 342 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $28.32 | $56.64 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.94 | $63.88 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $34.95 | $69.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $39.83 | $79.67 |
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 · May 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.