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Trip from East Independence, MO to Affton, MO

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

Drive Time

4h 39m

Distance

237.1 mi

382 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 26m ★
6 AM
4h 40m
8 AM
5h 7m
10 AM
4h 49m
12 PM
4h 47m
3 PM
4h 51m
5 PM
5h 5m
8 PM
4h 32m

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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Downtown East Independence, MO, MO

East Independence, MO

Momo King

Unincorporated community in Missouri, U.S.

Affton, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 237.1-mile journey from East Independence, MO, to Affton, MO, is designed as a single-day adventure, taking approximately 4 hours and 39 minutes to complete. With a fuel cost estimated at $36, it’s an accessible trip for most budgets. The route primarily utilizes local roads, including Main Road, East Truman Road, and Holke Road, with no highway driving, making it a more intimate exploration of the Midwest. This drive is best suited for travelers who enjoy a more hands-on, turn-by-turn navigation experience rather than the efficiency of interstate travel. You’ll find one designated stop along the way, offering a chance to break up the drive. Given its manageable length and local road focus, it’s a straightforward trip to tackle in a single day.

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

118.5 miles from East Independence, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 14m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 135.3 mi 2h 34m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway 54.4 mi 58m
Avenue of the Saints 25.1 mi 30m
I 270 8.1 mi 10m
MO 30 4.1 mi 7m
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway 1.9 mi 2m
South Little Blue Parkway 1.7 mi 3m
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway 1.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway — 135.3 mi, about 2h 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on East 9th Street South

79 ft · 8 sec · East 9th Street South
2

Turn left onto Main Road

0.3 mi · 1 min · Main Road
3

Turn left onto East Truman Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Truman Road
4

Turn right onto Holke Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Holke Road
5

Turn straight onto South Jackson Drive

1.2 mi · 2 min · South Jackson Drive
6

Turn left onto East R.D. Mize Road

0.2 mi · 37 sec · East R.D. Mize Road
7

Turn right onto South Little Blue Parkway

1.7 mi · 3 min · South Little Blue Parkway
8

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 17 Toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall Entrance Use the left lane.
9

Continue on I 70

53 mi · 56 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
10

Continue on I 70; US 40

32 mi · 34 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 70

22 mi · 24 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
12

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.8 mi · 2 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
13

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.6 mi · 1 min · Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
14

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.9 mi · 2 min · Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
15

Continue on I 70; US 40

81 mi · 1 hr 35 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
16

Take the exit onto US 40

0.3 mi · 33 sec · US 40
Exit 210A Toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Chesterfield
17

Merge onto I 64; US 40; US 61

25 mi · 30 min · Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 25 Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis Use the slight right lane.
19

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 270 South: Memphis Use the slight right lane.
20

Merge onto I 270

8.1 mi · 10 min · I 270
Use the straight lane.
21

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Exit 3 Toward MO 30: Gravois Road Use the slight right lane.
22

Keep slight left at fork

396 ft · 11 sec
Toward MO 30: Saint Louis, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, Gravois Road Use the left lane.
23

Merge onto MO 30

4.1 mi · 7 min · MO 30
24

Turn right

38 ft · 7 sec
25

Turn left

87 ft · 6 sec
26

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 237.1-mile drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight hours and enjoy a more relaxed pace through the local roads. Since the estimated duration is 4 hours and 39 minutes and there's only one planned stop, you have plenty of flexibility. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as local roads can sometimes have fewer services than major highways, and the estimated fuel cost is $36. A practical tip for this turn-heavy route is to utilize a GPS with clear audible turn-by-turn directions and perhaps pre-familiarize yourself with the main road segments like Main Road and East Truman Road before you depart. This will help you confidently navigate the numerous turns without unnecessary delays.

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 118.5 miles from East Independence, MO, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 135.3 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 52 miles or 1h 2m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 118.5 miles or 2h 14m 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 43m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving East Independence, 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 East Independence, MO

This is one driving day of about 237.1 miles and 4h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from East Independence, 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 Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 135.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Fulton, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Fulton, MO

119 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

Warrensburg, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbia, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 118.5 miles from East Independence, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 135.3 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

Arber Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St. Louis, Missouri

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 237.1

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+13148336622

Visit website

Arber Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 237.1

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+13148336622

Visit website

Cafe Poland by Iwona

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 118.5

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: 5–8 pm

+17024270048

Visit website

Cafe Berlin

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 118.5

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15734410400

Visit website

Cafe Ganadara

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 237.1

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13148027044

Café Verona

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18168330044

Visit website

Cafe Nova

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 237.1

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13143517443

Visit website

Russell's on Macklind

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 237.1

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 5–9 pm

+13145539994

Visit website

Cafe Telegraph Smoke Shack

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 237.1

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+13142009952

Visit website

The Wolf Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 220.1

Ballwin, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+16365277027

Visit website

MountainHouse Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 237.1

St. Louis, Missouri

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+13147739023

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 118.5

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 203.2

Lake St Louis, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 135.5

Kingdom City, Missouri

+15733106020

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 118.5

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 118.5

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 135.5

Kingdom City, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.1 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 118.5

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 118.5

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 5 and 232.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
5 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the ramp toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall Entrance

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Exit 17 Toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall E...
8
223.9 mi into trip | ~4h 19m in

Take the exit toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 25 Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis
7
224.2 mi into trip | ~4h 20m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 270 South: Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 270 South: Memphis
7
232.6 mi into trip | ~4h 30m in

Take the exit toward MO 30: Gravois Road

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 3 Toward MO 30: Gravois Road
9
232.9 mi into trip | ~4h 31m in

Keep slight left at fork toward MO 30: Saint Louis, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, Gravois Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward MO 30: Saint Louis, Ulysses S. Grant Nat...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.07 one way

$74.14 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 83 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $40.70 $81.40
premium $4.89 $45.63 $91.26
diesel $5.61 $52.35 $104.70

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 83 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 71.1 0 $24.90 $11.38
Efficient EV 59.3 0 $20.75 $9.48
EV Truck/SUV 94.8 1 $33.19 $15.17

Gas CO2

83 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (66% 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

East Independence, MO

Night in East Independence on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Affton, MO

Night in Affton on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

63°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

7 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 39m 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.

Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park

National Park

Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, a...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour $19 near mile 237.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this entire 237.1-mile stretch, as indicated by its 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating through towns and along roads that require frequent attention to turns and local traffic patterns. Unlike a highway cruise, this route offers a more grounded experience, keeping you connected to the landscape and communities you pass through. While there isn't a 'longest stretch' specified without highway segments, the nature of local roads suggests that you'll likely encounter more frequent intersections and varying speed limits throughout the 4-hour and 39-minute duration. The drive will feel more like a series of connected local explorations than a single, uninterrupted journey.

Only 6% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 135.3 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 17 significant decision points across 237.1 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: at 5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 223.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 224.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from East Independence, MO to Affton, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Memphis along the way.

Memphis

223.9 mi in | ~4h 19m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 39m. Total distance: 237.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 135.3 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. 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 Affton, 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 5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 223.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 224.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Affton, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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