Driving Time between Carmel, Indiana and St. Louis, Missouri

A picture depicting driving

The Ultimate Guide for Road Tripping Between Carmel, Indiana and St. Louis, Missouri

Are you planning a road trip from Carmel, Indiana to St. Louis, Missouri? If so, then you're in for a treat. This journey is packed with scenic routes, historic landmarks, and great attractions. However, before you embark on this road trip, you need to know your options for getting there in the shortest time possible.

Without further ado, here's a guide outlining your options for driving between Carmel, Indiana to St. Louis, Missouri, and what to expect when taking these routes.

Route 1: I-70 W Route

If you're looking for the most direct route to St. Louis, then I-70 W would be your best option. This route spans over 228 miles and should take about 3 hours and 30 minutes of driving time. This highway has six lanes, which makes it a quick and efficient way to get to St. Louis.

As much as this route is fast, you won't miss out on the beautiful scenery of nature that Indiana and Missouri's countryside offer. Rolling hills, lakes, and fields are present in abundance on this route, and it's sure to be an enjoyable ride.

Route 2: US-41 S Route

If you're not in a hurry and prefer a scenic drive through small towns, then choosing the US-41 S route is the way to go. This route spans over 302.5 miles and should take about 5 hours of driving time.

This route takes you through scenic southern Indiana, where you'll pass through the town of Terre Haute and the beautiful Mark Twain National Forest before arriving in St. Louis. The road is dotted with barbeque joints, diners, casinos, and other quaint roadside attractions that are sure to tempt you. Take your time to stretch your legs in small towns like Vincennes, Evansville, and Mount Vernon, explore the many antique shops or grab a bite to eat, and soak in the unique atmosphere of each community.

Route 3: I-74 W and I-72 W Route

A combination of I-74 and I-72 will take you on a smooth ride with portions of the historic Route 66 route. This route spans over 296.2 miles and should take about 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving time.

This route begins in Champaign, Illinois, and takes you through Springfield to St. Louis, where you'll pass through attractions such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and other interesting historical places. The route also allows you to explore charming small communities like Monticello, Decatur, and Springfield, and enjoy the colorful landscape of Illinois

With scenic routes such as these, it's almost mandatory to include a few places to stop and stretch your legs. Here are the top recommendations for places to visit along the way:

  • Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area in Rockville, Indiana
  • Wartrace Creek Outfitters in Wheatland, Indiana
  • Daviess County Museum in Washington, Indiana
  • Tunnel Hill State Trail in Vienna, Illinois
  • Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois
  • Cabela's in Hazelwood, Missouri

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of things to explore and experience on the road trip between Carmel, Indiana, and St. Louis, Missouri. You have the choice of taking the quickest route or a scenic one, depending on how much time you plan to spend on the road. Whichever route you choose, there are plenty of attractions and places to see along the way.

However, remember always to take breaks and do some research before starting your road trip. Ensure that you pack properly for the trip, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Happy travels!