Branson, MO to East Independence, MO is 206.7 miles and takes about 4h 13m via North Kansas Expressway and MO 7, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Missouri, connecting two Midwest locations. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on highways, making it a convenient option if you're looking for a relatively quick trip between these two points. The bulk of the driving is on well-traveled roads, so you can expect a consistent pace for most of the journey.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
103.4 miles from Branson, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 4m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
North Kansas Expressway
87.2 mi
1h 42m
MO 7
39.2 mi
43m
MO 291
22.4 mi
32m
American Legion Memorial Highway
18.6 mi
21m
US Highway 65
12 mi
13m
Schoolcraft Freeway
10.7 mi
13m
MO 58
8.5 mi
11m
Payne Stewart Highway
4.1 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
North Kansas Expressway
— 87.2 mi, about 1h 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Branson, MO and East Independence, MO.
1
Start on this road
63 ft·9 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto US 65 Bus; MO 76
169 ft·6 sec·South Business 65
3
Continue on Red Route
0.4 mi·46 sec·Veterans Boulevard
4
Continue on Red Route
150 ft·3 sec·Veterans Boulevard
5
Enter roundabout onto Red Route
287 ft·8 sec·Branson Landing Boulevard
6
Continue on Red Route
0.5 mi·58 sec·Branson Landing Boulevard
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 65 North: Springfield
8
Merge onto US 65; MO 76
7.7 mi·8 min·American Legion Memorial Highway
9
Continue on US 65
12 mi·13 min·US Highway 65
10
Continue on US 65
11 mi·12 min·American Legion Memorial Highway
11
Continue on US 65
11 mi·13 min·Schoolcraft Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 44 West: Joplin
13
Merge onto I 44
4.1 mi·5 min·Payne Stewart Highway
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi·14 sec
Exit 77Toward MO 13: Bolivar
15
Keep slight left at fork
150 ft·3 sec
Exit 77Toward MO 13: Bolivar
16
Keep slight right at fork
209 ft·7 sec
Exit 77Toward MO 13 North: Bolivar
17
Merge onto MO 13
87 mi·1 hr 42 min·North Kansas Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
18
Continue on MO 7
36 mi·39 min·MO 7
19
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
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Exit 160Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
21
Keep slight right at fork
243 ft·6 sec
Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
22
Merge onto MO 291
8.3 mi·12 min·MO 291
23
Turn slight left onto MO 58; MO 291
8.5 mi·11 min·MO 58; MO 291
24
Take the exit onto MO 291
0.6 mi·52 sec·MO 291
Toward US 50 East, MO 291 North: Sedalia
25
Take the exit onto MO 291
0.2 mi·37 sec·MO 291
Toward MO 291 North: Independence, Hamblen RoadUse the slight right lane.
26
Turn left
300 ft·7 sec
27
Continue on MO 291
13 mi·18 min·MO 291
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward East Truman Road
29
At end of road, turn left onto East Truman Road
1.2 mi·2 min·East Truman Road
30
Turn left onto Main Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Main Road
31
Turn right onto East 9th Street South
79 ft·3 sec·East 9th Street South
32
Arrive at destination
East 9th Street South
Trip Plan
Consider leaving Branson in the morning to make the most of daylight for the 4h 13m drive. With a fuel cost estimated at $32, it's a manageable expense for a single-day trip. The longest continuous stretch is over 87 miles, so plan for a break before or after that segment. While there's only one recommended stop, you might want to break up the drive sooner depending on your comfort level. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you transition off the main expressway onto MO 7 and MO 291, as services might become less frequent.
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 103.4 miles from Branson, MO, or about 2h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.2 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 45 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.4 miles or 2h 4m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Independence, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Branson, 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 Branson, MO
This is one driving day of about 206.7 miles and 4h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Branson, 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 87.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 191.4 — 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|US 65 Bus; MO 76 / South Business 65
Turn left onto US 65 Bus; MO 76 / South Business 65
Navigation decision point
7
47.4 mi into trip|~57m in
Keep slight left at fork toward MO 13: Bolivar
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 77
Toward MO 13: Bolivar
7
47.4 mi into trip|~57m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MO 13 North: Bolivar
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 77
Toward MO 13 North: Bolivar
6
174 mi into trip|~3h 24m 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
7
191.4 mi into trip|~3h 49m in|MO 291
Take the exit onto MO 291 toward MO 291 North: Independence, Hamblen Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward MO 291 North: Independence, Hamblen Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.52 one way
$61.05 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$33.70
$67.40
premium
$4.72
$38.38
$76.76
diesel
$4.80
$39.03
$78.06
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
62
0
$21.70
$9.92
Efficient EV
51.7
0
$18.09
$8.27
EV Truck/SUV
82.7
1
$28.94
$13.23
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% 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 Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Branson, MO
Morning
in Branson on Sunday
Local time
6:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 1 to 5 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:55PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 7:39PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
East Independence, MO
Morning
in East Independence on Sunday
Local time
6:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Partly Cloudy
SSW 5 mph13% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:55PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 7:39PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
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
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 13m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
National Battlefield
Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and where the first Union general was killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focuse...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 35.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll be on the highway for about 87% of this 206.7-mile trip. Expect a long stretch of 87.2 miles on the North Kansas Expressway, indicating a significant period of consistent highway cruising. The route transitions to MO 7 and then MO 291, which are still primary roads but will likely involve more local traffic and a change in the exit frequency as you approach your destination.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87.2 mi on North Kansas Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 US 65 Bus; MO 76 / South Business 65.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 206.7 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 (US 65 Bus; MO 76 / South Business 65): Navigation decision point; at 47.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 47.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Branson is in the Ozarks and the southwest region Missouri. Today it is sometimes referred to as a "family-friendly Las Vegas" because of the many shows and attractions, the flashy building decorations, and the neon lights. The "strip", as it has been named, draws people from far and wide.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 13m. Total distance: 206.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 13m 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 87.2 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 East 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 (US 65 Bus; MO 76 / South Business 65): Navigation decision point; at 47.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 47.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at East Independence, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.
