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Trip from Billings, MO to Independence, MO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 42m

Distance

178.5 mi

287 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 30m ★
6 AM
3h 43m
8 AM
4h 8m
10 AM
3h 52m
12 PM
3h 49m
3 PM
3h 53m
5 PM
4h 7m
8 PM
3h 35m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Missouri, USA

Billings, MO

Wikimedia Commons

city in Jackson and Clay counties in Missouri, United States, that is one of two county seats in Jackson County

Independence, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 186.7-mile drive from Billings, MO, to Independence, MO, is easily manageable in about 3 hours, making it a perfect day trip. You'll navigate through familiar Midwest landscapes without needing an overnight stop. With an estimated fuel cost of $28, this journey is quite budget-friendly. Expect a route characterized by frequent turns rather than long stretches of highway, offering a more engaging local driving experience. It's a straightforward trip within the same state, so no major regional shifts to consider.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

89.2 miles from Billings, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
North Kansas Expressway 87.3 mi 1h 43m
MO 7 39.2 mi 43m
South Noland Road 8.9 mi 15m
Northeast Elm Street 8.9 mi 13m
MO 58 8.5 mi 11m
MO 291 8.3 mi 12m
Congressman Mel Hancock Freeway 7.2 mi 7m
MO MM 3.9 mi 6m
Longest stretch: North Kansas Expressway — 87.3 mi, about 1h 43m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Billings, MO and Independence, MO.

1

Start on this road

140 ft · 12 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto MO 14

199 ft · 5 sec · Northwest Jefferson Avenue
3

Turn right onto US 60; MO 413

8.9 mi · 13 min · Northeast Elm Street
4

Turn left onto MO MM

3.9 mi · 6 min · MO MM
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 44 East: Springfield
6

Merge onto I 44

7.2 mi · 7 min · Congressman Mel Hancock Freeway
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec
Exit 77 Toward MO 13: Bolivar Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork

187 ft · 5 sec
Exit 77 Toward MO 13 North: Bolivar Use the left lane.
9

Continue on MO 13

87 mi · 1 hr 43 min · North Kansas Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
10

Continue on MO 7

36 mi · 39 min · MO 7
11

Take the exit onto MO 7

3.3 mi · 3 min · MO 7
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec
Exit 160 Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
13

Keep slight right at fork

243 ft · 6 sec
Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
14

Merge onto MO 291

8.3 mi · 12 min · MO 291
15

Turn slight left onto MO 58; MO 291

8.5 mi · 11 min · MO 58; MO 291
16

Continue on Southwest Jefferson Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward US 50 West: Kansas City
18

Merge onto US 50

2.7 mi · 3 min · US 50
19

Continue on MO 350

2.5 mi · 3 min · Blue Parkway
20

Turn right onto MO V

5.9 mi · 9 min · South Noland Road
21

Continue on South Noland Road

3.1 mi · 5 min · South Noland Road
22

Turn left onto East Walnut Street

466 ft · 22 sec · East Walnut Street
23

Turn right onto South Lynn Street

394 ft · 22 sec · South Lynn Street
24

Turn left onto East Kansas Avenue

145 ft · 6 sec · East Kansas Avenue
25

Arrive at destination

East Kansas Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 3-hour duration and 186.7-mile distance, flexibility is your best friend for this trip. You can depart at your leisure, but aim to leave early if you want to maximize your time at your destination. With only one noted stop, you have plenty of freedom to add spontaneous breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $28 estimated cost is based on the entire journey, and opportunities for refueling might be more spread out on local roads. Pay close attention to navigation, as the 'turn-heavy' nature means you'll be making frequent adjustments.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 89.2 miles from Billings, MO, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.3 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 39 miles or 50m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 89.2 miles or 1h 50m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 54m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Independence, MO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Billings, MO so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Billings, MO

This is one driving day of about 178.5 miles and 3h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Billings, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on North Kansas Expressway for about 87.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in and county seat of Johnson County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Warrensburg, MO

89 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Bolivar, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Warsaw, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 89.2 miles from Billings, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before North Kansas Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 87.3 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Café Verona

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Independence, Missouri

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30 mile 178.5

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18168330044

Visit website

Café Verona

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30 mile 178.5

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18168330044

Visit website

Oseyo Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 51

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14173262100

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 178.5

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18167955520

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 12.7

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14178644175

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 12.7

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14177992200

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 51

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 12.7

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14173158311

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 51

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Dynamic EVC Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 12.7

Republic, Missouri

+18332172197

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 76.5

Osceola, Missouri

+18888074522

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 147 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | MO 14 / Northwest Jefferson Avenue

Turn right onto MO 14 / Northwest Jefferson Avenue

Navigation decision point

7
20.2 mi into trip | ~28m in

Take the exit toward MO 13: Bolivar

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 77 Toward MO 13: Bolivar
9
20.3 mi into trip | ~28m in

Keep slight left at fork toward MO 13 North: Bolivar

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Exit 77 Toward MO 13 North: Bolivar
5
143.6 mi into trip | ~2h 51m in | MO 7

Take the exit onto MO 7 toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kan...
6
147 mi into trip | ~2h 55m in

Keep slight right at fork toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.91 one way

$55.81 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.64 $61.28
premium $4.89 $34.35 $68.70
diesel $5.61 $39.41 $78.82

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 62.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 53.6 0 $18.74 $8.57
Efficient EV 44.6 0 $15.62 $7.14
EV Truck/SUV 71.4 0 $24.99 $11.42

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Billings, MO

Late night in Billings on Sunday

Local time

12:57 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Independence, MO

Late night in Independence on Sunday

Local time

12:57 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 42m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile on this route. With a 0% highway share, you won't be experiencing any monotonous interstate cruising. Instead, you'll be navigating a series of local roads, starting on Northwest Jefferson Avenue and Northeast Elm Street before eventually merging onto I 44 East, though the highway component is minimal. The absence of a 'longest_stretch' data point suggests a dynamic driving experience with frequent changes in direction and road conditions, keeping you engaged.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87.3 mi on North Kansas Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Kansas Expressway and MO 7. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near MO 14 / Northwest Jefferson Avenue.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 178.5 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (MO 14 / Northwest Jefferson Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 20.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 42m. Total distance: 178.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 87.3 miles on North Kansas Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Independence, MO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (MO 14 / Northwest Jefferson Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 20.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Independence, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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