Road Trip Itinerary: Bakersfield, CA → University City, MO

Day 1: Bakersfield ➜ Kingman (≈ 560 mi)

Morning: Depart Bakersfield and cruise north on I‑5 before merging onto I‑40 East. Your first fuel break is at Barstow, CA – Shell Station (≈ 130 mi). After refueling, continue eastward through the Mojave Desert.

Afternoon: Stop for a quick lunch and a top‑up at Needles, CA – Chevron (≈ 210 mi from Barstow). The desert scenery is spectacular, and the station offers clean restrooms and a small convenience store.

Evening: Arrive in Kingman, AZ – Love’s Travel Stop (≈ 210 mi from Needles). Check into a local motel, enjoy dinner, and rest up for a long drive tomorrow.

Day 2: Kingman ➜ Oklahoma City (≈ 950 mi)

Morning: Leave Kingman and head east on I‑40. Your first 250‑mile fuel point is Flagstaff, AZ – Pilot Travel Center (≈ 150 mi). Take a short walk to stretch your legs before hitting the road again.

Afternoon: Continue across New Mexico, stopping at Gallup, NM – Circle K (≈ 250 mi from Flagstaff) for fuel and a quick snack. Push onward to Albuquerque, NM – Flying J (≈ 140 mi) where you can refuel, grab lunch, and explore the historic Old Town if time permits.

Evening: After Albuquerque, the next stop is Clovis, NM – Kum & Go (≈ 200 mi). Refuel, then drive the final leg of the day to Oklahoma City, OK – Petro Stopping Center (≈ 260 mi). Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

Day 3: Oklahoma City ➜ University City (≈ 440 mi)

Morning: Begin the day heading east on I‑44. Your first fuel break is at Vinita, OK – Love’s Travel Center (≈ 140 mi). Fill up and stretch before the next stretch.

Afternoon: Drive through Missouri, stopping at Joplin, MO – Pilot Travel Center (≈ 250 mi from Vinita) for fuel and a lunch break. Continue eastward toward the St. Louis metro area.

Evening: The final stop is at University City, MO – Shell Station (≈ 50 mi from Joplin). Arrive at your destination, check in, and enjoy your evening in the vibrant University City neighborhood.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Barstow, CA – Shell Station: 30 min, $35
• Needles, CA – Chevron: 30 min, $30
• Kingman, AZ – Love’s Travel Stop: 45 min, $40
• Flagstaff, AZ – Pilot Travel Center: 30 min, $38
• Gallup, NM – Circle K: 20 min, $28
• Albuquerque, NM – Flying J: 45 min, $45
• Clovis, NM – Kum & Go: 30 min, $32
• Oklahoma City, OK – Petro Stopping Center: 45 min, $42
• Vinita, OK – Love’s Travel Center: 30 min, $30
• Joplin, MO – Pilot Travel Center: 30 min, $33
• University City, MO – Shell Station: 20 min, $25
• Total Estimated Fuel Cost: $398

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a detour to the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff for an unforgettable view, or explore the historic Route 66 towns like Winslow and Tulsa. To shorten the trip, you could combine Day 2 and Day 3 by skipping a few fuel stops and driving longer stretches, but be sure to stay well‑hydrated and rested.