Cuba, MO to Independence, MO is 225.5 miles and takes about 4h 25m via US 63 and Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This Midwest to Midwest journey is a straightforward drive through Missouri. With a recommended one-day trip, you'll find it's a manageable distance for a single day's travel. The route offers a practical way to get from point A to point B without extensive planning, making it a good choice for those seeking efficiency.
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
112.8 miles from Cuba, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 63
78.3 mi
1h 35m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
54.4 mi
58m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
54.3 mi
58m
I 44
12.3 mi
13m
North Jefferson Street
12.2 mi
18m
South Noland Road
3 mi
5m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
2.7 mi
3m
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
1.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 63
— 78.3 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 17 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,281 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,776
Quietest
2 AM
~286 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cuba, MO and Independence, MO.
1
Start on MO 19
0.8 mi·1 min·North Franklin Street
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward I 44 West: Rolla
3
Merge onto I 44
12 mi·13 min·I 44
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 195Toward MO 8, MO 68: Saint James
5
Turn right onto US Historic 66; MO 68
12 mi·18 min·North Jefferson Street
6
At end of road, turn right onto US 63
50 mi·1 hr 4 min·US 63
7
Take the exit onto US 63
0.3 mi·40 sec·US 63
Toward US 54 East, US 63 North: Fulton, Columbia
8
Merge onto US 54; US 63
1.4 mi·1 min·US 54; US 63
9
Take the exit onto US 63
28 mi·30 min·US 63
Toward US 63 North: Columbia
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·42 sec
Toward I 70, US 40, MO PP: Kansas City, Saint LouisUse the left / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on US 63 Conn
0.2 mi·31 sec·US 63 Conn
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas CityUse the left lane.
13
Merge onto I 70; US 40
1.3 mi·1 min·Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
14
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi·1 min·Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
15
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi·2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
16
Continue on I 70; US 40
54 mi·58 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
Exit 12Toward Noland RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Turn right onto South Noland Road
3.0 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 4h 25m duration, departing Cuba, MO in the morning allows ample time to reach Independence, MO before evening. While the drive is manageable in one day, consider a brief stop midway if you prefer to break up the journey, though it's not strictly necessary. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a planned stop is 78.3 miles on US 63. This route's flexibility means you can adjust your departure time based on your schedule, making it easy to fit into your day.
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 112.8 miles from Cuba, MO, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78.3 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 50 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.8 miles or 2h 20m 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 38m
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 Cuba, 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 Cuba, MO
This is one driving day of about 225.5 miles and 4h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Cuba, 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 US 63 for about 78.3 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 222.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.8 mi into trip|~1m in
Take the ramp toward I 44 West: Rolla
Navigation decision point
Toward I 44 West: Rolla
6
13.3 mi into trip|~14m in
Take the exit toward MO 8, MO 68: Saint James
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 195
Toward MO 8, MO 68: Saint James
7
105.4 mi into trip|~2h 10m in
Take the exit toward I 70, US 40, MO PP: Kansas City, Saint Louis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 70, US 40, MO PP: Kansas City, Saint L...
9
106 mi into trip|~2h 12m in
Take the exit toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
7
222.1 mi into trip|~4h 18m in
Take the exit toward Noland Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12
Toward Noland Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.30 one way
$66.60 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$36.76
$73.53
premium
$4.72
$41.87
$83.74
diesel
$4.80
$42.58
$85.16
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.7
0
$23.68
$10.82
Efficient EV
56.4
0
$19.73
$9.02
EV Truck/SUV
90.2
1
$31.57
$14.43
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Cuba, MO
Late night
in Cuba on Sunday
Local time
2:34 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 10 mph23% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Destination
Independence, MO
Late night
in Independence on Sunday
Local time
2:34 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 7 mph28% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
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 25m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is a mixed bag, with 41% of the journey taking place on highways. You'll experience stretches on US 63, including a significant 78.3-mile segment that offers uninterrupted driving. The U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway also feature, suggesting a blend of faster-paced travel and potentially more local road sections. Expect a varied driving experience rather than a constant interstate cruise.
41% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 78.3 mi on US 63.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 225.5 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 13.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 105.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,034 ft555 ft
Total Climb
1,106 ft
Total Descent
1,073 ft
Highest Point
1,034 ft
~225.5 mi in
Elevation Range
480 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cuba, MO and Independence, MO, road signs point toward Columbia, Mo Pp: Kansas City and Saint Louis.
Independence, known as the Queen City of the Trails, is a city in western Missouri just east of Kansas City with a population of approximately 110,000. Independence's founding predates that of Kansas City, and it was home to U.S. President Harry S. Truman and the legendary actress Ginger Rogers, as well as the starting point of three of America's great Westward Trails: the Santa Fe Trail, the California Trail, and the Oregon Trail. The city also hosts numerous historical sites related to the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS), Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormons"), American Civil War and Western history.
While offering a full range of entertainment and lodging options for visitors, Independence generally tends to be more "quiet" than its larger neighbor to the west.
Top landmarks
•Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum — presidential library and museum for U.S. President Harry S. Truman, located in I...
•Temple Lot — Geographical location important in Latter Day Saint history
•Harry S. Truman National Historic Site — national Historic Site of the United States in Missouri
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 25m. Total distance: 225.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 78.3 miles on US 63. 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: at 0.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 13.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 105.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Independence, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.
