Origin
East Independence, MO
Night in East Independence on Saturday
Local time
11:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from East Independence, MO to Battlefield, 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 35m
Distance
171.4 mi
276 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 23m
★
6 AM
3h 35m
8 AM
4h 0m
10 AM
3h 44m
12 PM
3h 41m
3 PM
3h 45m
5 PM
3h 59m
8 PM
3h 28m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
East Independence, MO
Momo King
Battlefield, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 171.4-mile drive from East Independence, MO, to Battlefield, MO, is a straightforward Midwest journey that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 35 minutes, making it a perfect one-day trip. You'll primarily be on MO 13, MO 7, and MO 291, with 96% of the route being highway driving. With an estimated fuel cost of $27, this is an economical option for exploring the region. The drive is focused on efficient travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. It's a practical choice for those looking to cover ground comfortably within Missouri.
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
85.7 miles from East Independence, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MO 13 | 67.9 mi | 1h 18m |
| MO 7 | 55.6 mi | 1h 4m |
| MO 291 | 31 mi | 45m |
| US 160 | 6.9 mi | 11m |
| I 49 | 2.8 mi | 3m |
| MO FF | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Payne Stewart Highway | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| East Truman Road | 1.4 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
MO 13
— 67.9 mi, about 1h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Independence, MO and Battlefield, 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 right onto East Truman Road
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
East Truman Road
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward MO 291 South: Lee's Summit
5
Merge onto MO 291
10.0 mi
·
13 min
·
MO 291
6
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 291
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
MO 291
Exit 10B
Toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
7
Take the ramp onto MO 291
0.6 mi
·
53 sec
·
MO 291
Toward US 50 West, MO 291 South: Kansas City
8
Take the exit onto MO 291
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
MO 291
Toward MO 291 South: Jefferson Street, Harrisonville
9
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 291
17 mi
·
24 min
·
MO 291
Toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville
10
Continue on Cantrell Road
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Cantrell Road
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
12
Merge onto I 49; US 71
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
I 49; US 71
13
Take the exit onto MO 7
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
MO 7
Exit 157
Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
14
Turn slight left onto MO 7
55 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
MO 7
Exit 157
Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
Use the left lane.
15
Continue on MO 13
68 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
MO 13
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 44 West: Joplin
17
Merge onto I 44
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Payne Stewart Highway
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 75
Toward US 160: West Bypass, Willard
19
Turn left onto US 160
6.9 mi
·
11 min
·
US 160
20
Continue on MO FF
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
MO FF
21
Turn left onto 182
68 ft
·
1 sec
·
West 3rd Street
22
Arrive at destination
182
Trip Plan
Given that this 171.4-mile trip takes just under 3.5 hours, you have plenty of flexibility with your departure time. Consider leaving in the morning to make the most of your day at your destination. With the longest stretch of highway being 67.9 miles on MO 13, plan for a single fuel or rest stop midway if needed, though it’s not strictly necessary for such a manageable distance. The $27 fuel estimate is quite reasonable, so budget accordingly. A key tip for this route is to stay aware of potential local traffic as you transition between the main highways, especially as you approach your final destination in Battlefield.
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 85.7 miles from East Independence, MO, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.9 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 38 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.7 miles or 1h 51m 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 Battlefield, 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 171.4 miles and 3h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 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 MO 13 for about 67.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 85.7 miles from East Independence, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before MO 13 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.9 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 161.7 — 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
|
Main Road
Turn left onto Main Road
Navigation decision point
8
12 mi into trip
|
~18m in
|
MO 291
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 291 toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 10B
Toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville
6
15.3 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
MO 291
Take the ramp onto MO 291 toward US 50 West, MO 291 South: Kansas City
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 50 West, MO 291 South: Kansas City
6
33.1 mi into trip
|
~50m in
Take the exit toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
6
161.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 19m in
Take the exit toward US 160: West Bypass, Willard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 75
Toward US 160: West Bypass, Willard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.80 one way
$53.59 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $29.42 | $58.84 |
| premium | $4.89 | $32.98 | $65.97 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.84 | $75.69 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.4 | 0 | $18.00 | $8.23 |
| Efficient EV | 42.9 | 0 | $15.00 | $6.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.6 | 0 | $24.00 | $10.97 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Battlefield, MO
Night in Battlefield on Saturday
Local time
11:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
55°F
Holden, MO
86 mi in
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
19 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
3h 35m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 171.4
Caution: BE AWARE OF HIGH-WATER DANGER
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 171.4-mile journey. With 96% of the route utilizing highways, you'll find the driving generally fast-paced and efficient. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 67.9 miles on MO 13, offering a good segment of consistent travel. The roads are designed for smooth transit, allowing you to maintain a steady pace for the majority of the 3-hour and 35-minute trip. This character makes it ideal for covering distance with minimal interruption.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 67.9 mi on MO 13.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 13 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 Main Road.
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 171.4 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 (Main Road): Navigation decision point; at 12 miles (MO 291): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.3 miles (MO 291): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between East Independence, MO and Battlefield, MO, road signs point toward Harrisonville and Willard.
Harrisonville
15.9 mi in
|
~24m
|
via MO 291
Willard
161.7 mi in
|
~3h 19m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 35m. Total distance: 171.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 67.9 miles on MO 13. 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 Battlefield, 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 (Main Road): Navigation decision point; at 12 miles (MO 291): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.3 miles (MO 291): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Battlefield, 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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Battlefield, MO
More trips to Battlefield, MO
Explore more options from East Independence, MO or browse trips ending in Battlefield, MO.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MO road trips.