MRI in St. Louis — Driving from the I-44 West Corridor
Rolla to St. Louis is about 95 miles — under two hours on I-44 east to the I-270 loop, then south to Exit 2. The drive is toll-free the whole way, and the scan costs a flat $399: less than many deductibles, with a board-certified radiologist report in 24–48 hours.
How Far Is It?
Most of the I-44 corridor rolls east on I-44 to the I-270 loop, then south to Exit 2. Gray Summit is a short drive; Springfield and Joplin are day trips — and every one of them is toll-free. Here are the honest mileages and times from the main origins.
| Origin | Approx. miles | Approx. time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Summit | 28 mi | 30–35 min | I-44 E → I-270 E → Exit 2 |
| Sullivan | 56 mi | ~1 hr | I-44 E → I-270 E → Exit 2 |
| Rolla | 95 mi | 1h35–1h45 | I-44 E → I-270 E → Exit 2 |
| Lebanon | 153 mi | ~2h30 | I-44 E → I-270 E → Exit 2 |
| Springfield MO | 205 mi | ~3h30 | I-44 E → I-270 E → Exit 2 |
| Joplin | 273 mi | ~4h35 | I-44 E → I-270 E → Exit 2 |
A few honest caveats:
- Sullivan: About 56 miles via I-44 east; typically around an hour, but allow an extra 10–15 minutes if you hit I-270 rush hour.
- Lebanon: Roughly 153 miles on I-44; usually about 2½ hours, though long-distance drives can run 15–20 minutes longer or shorter depending on traffic and weather.
- Springfield MO: Roughly 205 miles on I-44; usually about 3½ hours, though long-distance drives can run 15–20 minutes longer or shorter depending on traffic and weather.
- Joplin: This is our longest drive — roughly 273 miles, about 4½ hours. Worth it for a $399 flat-rate scan, but plan the day.
Route & Parking
Sunset Hills Imaging is one location — 12152 Tesson Ferry Road in St. Louis. Here's how to get here from the I-44 corridor.
- 01
Get to I-270
Take I-44 east to the I-270 interchange (I-44 exit 276), then head south on I-270 toward Exit 2.
- 02
Take Exit 2
I-270 Exit 2 (MO-21 / Tesson Ferry Road) is the clinic’s exit, about a mile north of the address.
- 03
Final turns
From the exit, head south on Tesson Ferry Road, turn right on Gerald Drive, then right on Merito Drive to 12152.
- 04
Park at the door
Free on-site parking right at the clinic entrance.
I-270 backs up near the I-44 interchange during weekday peak hours, so add 10–20 minutes if you're arriving then. Every route above is toll-free, and parking is free on site.
Why the Long Drive Is Worth It
One flat $399, whatever the distance
Ten miles or two hundred, the price is the same. There's no facility fee, no separate radiologist bill, and no insurance required. For many patients, that's less than a deductible or hospital copay.
Non-contrast, no prep
No IV, no dye, no fasting. Bring your doctor's order and you're done.
Report in 24–48 hours
A board-certified radiologist reads your scan, and the report goes to your provider within two business days.
Toll-free there and back, free parking
No tolls on any of these routes, and parking on site is free. The only thing you pay is the $399 flat rate.
We'll be straight with you: Springfield and Joplin are day trips, and you should plan accordingly — but at a flat $399, the savings usually cover the drive several times over. You'll need a doctor's order for the scan; same-day appointments are often available, so call (314) 834-7226 and we'll find a slot that fits the drive.
New to MRIs? See what to expect during your scan.
What to Expect When You Get Here
We're at 12152 Tesson Ferry Road in St. Louis, with free on-site parking. Bring your doctor's order — fax it to (314) 804-7226, email Sunset@moimaging.com, or bring a printed copy. Scans are non-contrast with no prep, most take about 25 minutes, and you're free to leave when they're done. The report goes to your provider within 24–48 hours.
What to Request
All of our scans are non-contrast studies at one flat $399, no insurance needed and a doctor's order required. Start with the body part below.
Back pain, disc problems, sciatica
Covers the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, plus sacrum, coccyx, pelvis, and SI joints — the most common scans we do.
Knee, hip, ankle, and foot pain
Meniscus and ligament tears, arthritis, stress fractures, and tendon injuries. Choose the correct side when you book.
Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand
Rotator cuff tears, tendonitis, carpal tunnel workups, and joint pain. Choose the correct side when you book.
Headaches, MS workups, TMJ
Brain, orbits, IAC, pituitary, and TMJ studies — all non-contrast, like everything we scan.
The Drive Is Worth It — $399, Flat
Toll-free route, no insurance needed, radiologist report in 24–48 hours.