Explore Missouri United States

Explore Missouri United States

What is the best time to travel to Missouri

Missouri has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit Missouri depends on what activities you have planned and your weather preferences.

If you plan to visit the cities or attractions, the spring and fall months (March to May and September to November) are a great time to visit. The weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller than during the peak summer season. The fall foliage is also beautiful in Missouri, especially in the Ozark Mountains.

If you are interested in outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing, the summer months (June to August) are the best time to visit. The weather is hot and humid, but there are plenty of opportunities to cool off in the state’s many lakes and rivers.

Winter in Missouri (December to February) can be cold and snowy, but it is a good time to visit if you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

How to get to Missouri

Missouri is located in the central region of the United States and can be accessed by various means of transportation, including:

By air: Missouri has several major airports, including Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), and Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF).

By car: Missouri is easily accessible by car as several major highways run through the state, including I-70, I-44, and I-55.

By bus: Greyhound and Megabus operate buses that run to various cities in Missouri.

By train: Amtrak operates train services to Missouri, including the Missouri River Runner which runs between Kansas City and St. Louis.

By boat: The Mississippi River runs along the eastern border of Missouri, and some riverboat cruises offer stops in Missouri cities such as St. Louis.

The best means of transportation to Missouri depends on your starting location, budget, and personal preferences.

How to get around Missouri

Missouri offers several transportation options for travelers to get around the state.

Car: Renting a car is a popular and convenient way to get around Missouri. Major car rental companies are available at airports and throughout cities.

Bus: Greyhound offers bus services to many cities in Missouri, as well as connecting to neighboring states.

Train: Amtrak operates the Missouri River Runner train service, which connects Kansas City and St. Louis, making stops in several other cities.

Air: Missouri has several regional airports, including Kansas City International Airport, St. Louis Lambert International Airport, and Springfield-Branson National Airport.

Taxis and ridesharing: Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in major cities throughout the state.

Bicycle: Many cities in Missouri, including St. Louis and Kansas City, have bike-sharing programs and dedicated bike lanes for cycling enthusiasts.

Walking: Exploring the state on foot is also a great way to experience Missouri’s charming towns and cities.

National Airports

Missouri has several major airports that serve both domestic and international flights:

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) in St. Louis, which is the largest airport in Missouri and serves many major airlines.

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Kansas City, which serves many major airlines and has a reputation for being one of the most convenient and traveler-friendly airports in the country.

Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) in Springfield, which serves several airlines and is a popular alternative to the larger airports in St. Louis and Kansas City.

Columbia Regional Airport (COU) in Columbia, which serves a handful of airlines and is a good option for travelers looking to avoid the crowds and congestion of the larger airports.

Joplin Regional Airport (JLN) in Joplin, which serves a limited number of airlines but is a convenient option for travelers in the southwestern part of the state.

Trains in Missouri

Missouri is served by Amtrak, which operates four passenger train routes in the state:

Missouri River Runner, which runs daily between St. Louis and Kansas City with stops in several cities along the way, including Jefferson City and Hermann.

Texas Eagle, which runs between Chicago and San Antonio, with stops in several Missouri cities, including St. Louis, Poplar Bluff, and Kansas City.

Southwest Chief, which runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, with stops in several Missouri cities, including La Plata and Kansas City.

River Runner, which runs daily between Kansas City and St. Louis with stops in several cities along the way, including Independence and Jefferson City.

These trains provide a convenient and scenic way to travel throughout the state.

Buses in Missouri

Missouri has an extensive network of bus services that connect major cities and towns within the state and also provide connections to nearby cities in other states. Here are some of the bus services in Missouri:

Greyhound: Greyhound is a popular bus service that connects most major cities and towns in Missouri. They have several terminals in the state, including St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia.

Megabus: Megabus is another popular bus service in Missouri that provides connections to nearby cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and Memphis. Their main terminal is in St. Louis.

Jefferson Lines: Jefferson Lines is a regional bus service that operates in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and other nearby states. They connect several cities in Missouri, including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield.

Amtrak Thruway: Amtrak Thruway is a bus service that provides connections to Amtrak trains in nearby cities. They have several stops in Missouri, including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield.

Ozark Regional Transit: Ozark Regional Transit is a local bus service that operates in several towns and cities in northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri.

Metro: Metro is the public transit system in St. Louis and provides bus services in the city and surrounding areas.

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority: The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority operates the bus service in Kansas City and provides connections to nearby towns and cities.

Overall, there are several bus services available in Missouri that provide affordable and convenient transportation options for travelers.

Accommodations in Missouri

Missouri offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels and resorts. Here are some types of accommodations you can find in Missouri:

Hotels and Resorts: There are many hotels and resorts located in cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, Branson, and Springfield. These hotels and resorts offer various amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, spas, and on-site restaurants.

Bed and Breakfasts: Bed and Breakfasts offer a more personalized experience, often located in historic homes or buildings. They offer comfortable rooms and a home-cooked breakfast each morning.

Cabins and Cottages: Missouri has many cabins and cottages that are perfect for a relaxing getaway. Many of them are located in scenic areas with beautiful views.

Campgrounds: Missouri has many campgrounds, including those in state parks and national forests. They offer various camping options, from tent camping to RV sites.

Vacation Rentals: Vacation rentals are a popular option in Missouri, especially in the Ozarks and around the Lake of the Ozarks. You can find a range of rentals, from small cabins to large houses that can accommodate big groups.

Hostels: Hostels are a budget-friendly option for travelers. Missouri has a few hostels in cities like St. Louis and Kansas City.

It is recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.