How Long Is the Drive from St Louis to Oklahoma City?
The drive from St Louis to Oklahoma City takes approximately 7h 30min, covering 500 miles via I-70. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $58 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 10–11+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
6h 22m
🔵 Typical
7h 30min
🔴 Heavy traffic
10h 52m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance500 miles (804 km)
Drive Time7h 30min
RouteI-70
Best TimeEarly morning (6-8 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~16.7 gallons
Est. Cost$58
Route Tips: I-70
Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from St Louis to Oklahoma City
For a long drive like St Louis to Oklahoma City, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
7h 30min
~$58 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 30m
~$80–$175 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 0m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
7h 30min
~$58
🚌 Bus
11h 7m
~$40–$90
🚂 Train
9h 5m
~$60–$150
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Tulsa
📍 Kansas City
📍 Hot Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from St Louis to Oklahoma City?
The drive from St Louis to Oklahoma City takes approximately 7h 30min covering 500 miles via I-70. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for St Louis to Oklahoma City?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $58 on gas for this 500-mile trip. You'll need about 16.7 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from St Louis to Oklahoma City?
Early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the St Louis to Oklahoma City route?
Yes, expect approximately $15 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a PikePass transponder for faster toll payment.
