The Best Route for Driving from Dallas, Texas to St. Louis, Missouri

The journey from Dallas, Texas to St. Louis, Missouri is a popular route, often undertaken multiple times a year by travelers. Choosing the best route can significantly impact your travel time and overall experience. This article will guide you through the commonly suggested route and discuss alternative options based on feedback from frequent travelers.

Recommended Route: Interstate 30 (I-30) and Interstate 40 (I-40) Combination

The optimal path for this journey typically involves driving on Interstate 30 (I-30) and then switching to Interstate 40 (I-40). Here’s a detailed step-by-step outline of the route:

Step-by-Step Route Outline

Start in Dallas: Begin your journey by getting onto I-30 E from downtown Dallas. Follow I-30: Continue on I-30 E towards Little Rock, Arkansas. Merge onto I-40 E: Upon reaching Little Rock, merge onto I-40 E towards Memphis. Stay on I-40 E: Keep on I-40 E for a significant distance, passing through Memphis. Take I-55 N: After Memphis, merge onto I-55 N heading towards St. Louis. Arrive in St. Louis: Follow I-55 N directly into St. Louis.

Here are some key details about the journey:

Distance and Travel Time

Distance: Approximately 600 miles. Travel Time: Approximately 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Alternative Routes and Tips

There are several variations on the route, and some travelers have found alternative paths that they believe are faster or more convenient. Here are a few options and tips to consider:

Route Variation: Hwy 69 from I-44 in Big Cabin, Oklahoma

Some travelers suggest taking Hwy 69 from I-44 in Big Cabin, Oklahoma, which can be the fastest route. While this route involves passing through small towns and reducing your speed, it still offers a quicker journey. Here’s a brief outline:

Jump onto Hwy 69: Start by exiting I-44 at Big Cabin and taking Hwy 69. Final Leg: Follow Hwy 69 through small towns and merge onto I-55 N toward St. Louis.

Tips: Before you start your journey, make sure to check traffic updates and weather conditions. Plan for breaks along the way, especially if traveling with others. Safe travels!

Route Variation: Interstate 30, I-40, and I-55 Through Arkansas

Based on multiple driver experiences, taking I-30 and I-40 through Arkansas and then I-55 through Missouri is often considered the fastest route. This path offers better and faster highways compared to the route through Oklahoma. However, this route is further and includes slower speed limits and passing through small towns which can slow you down significantly:

Start in Dallas: Begin on I-30 E. Merge onto I-40 E: Continue on I-40 E towards Little Rock, Arkansas. Keep on I-40 E: Maintain I-40 E to Memphis. Take I-55 N: Finally, merge onto I-55 N towards St. Louis.

Route Variation: I-44 and the Roads in Oklahoma

Another popular opinion is that the quickest route is via I-44 in Oklahoma. While the journey through Oklahoma involves navigating through small towns and some slower speeds, the roads are generally safe. Here’s a route outline:

Jump onto I-44: Start by getting onto I-44 from Dallas. Merge onto I-35: Take the I-35 to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Final Leg: Continue on I-55 N to St. Louis.

Conclusion: Whether you choose the commonly used route or any of the alternative paths, it’s important to prepare adequately. Always check traffic updates and weather conditions. Make sure to plan for breaks, especially if traveling with passengers. Safe travels on this iconic journey from Dallas to St. Louis!