East Independence, MO to Hazelwood, MO is 225.8 miles and takes about 4h 24m via Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, I 270, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, moving from one Missouri location to another. The drive is predominantly on surface roads, making it a more local experience than a pure interstate cruise. You'll spend most of your time navigating through towns and local communities. Given the relatively short duration and the nature of the roads, this is an easy same-day trip.
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
112.9 miles from East Independence, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
157.4 mi
3h 1m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
54.4 mi
58m
I 270
2.4 mi
3m
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
South Jackson Drive
1.2 mi
2m
Holke Road
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 157.4 mi, about 3h 1m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 56 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,812 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,440
Quietest
2 AM
~341 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 East Independence, MO and Hazelwood, 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 17Toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall EntranceUse 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
103 mi·2 hr 2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·12 sec
Exit 232Toward I 270: Chicago, MemphisUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·36 sec
Toward I 270 North: ChicagoUse the slight left lane.
18
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·18 sec·this road
Exit 232Toward I 270 North: Chicago
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·14 sec
Toward I 270 North: ChicagoUse the straight lane.
20
Merge onto I 270
2.4 mi·3 min·I 270
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 23Toward McDonnell BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
400 ft·9 sec
Toward McDonnell Boulevard SouthUse the right lane.
23
Turn straight onto McDonnell Boulevard
0.5 mi·48 sec·McDonnell Boulevard
24
Continue on James S McDonnell Boulevard
0.3 mi·36 sec·James S McDonnell Boulevard
25
Turn left onto Fee Fee Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Fee Fee Road
26
Turn right onto Chapel Ridge Drive
0.2 mi·51 sec·Chapel Ridge Drive
27
Arrive at destination
Chapel Ridge Drive
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just over 4 hours, this route is best tackled in a single day. Consider leaving in the morning to give yourself ample time and avoid peak traffic. Since the longest continuous highway segment is 157.4 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, plan a brief stop around that point if needed, though with only one recommended stop total, you have flexibility. The fuel cost is estimated at $34, so ensure your tank is full before departing. Pay attention to posted speed limits, especially as you transition from highway driving to surface roads, as these can change frequently.
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 112.9 miles from East Independence, MO, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.4 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 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.9 miles or 2h 7m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hazelwood, 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 225.8 miles and 4h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 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 157.4 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 5 and 224.2 — 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
220.6 mi into trip|~4h 15m 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 232
Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis
7
220.8 mi into trip|~4h 16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 270 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 270 North: Chicago
8
221.5 mi into trip|~4h 16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 270 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 270 North: Chicago
7
224.2 mi into trip|~4h 20m in
Take the exit toward McDonnell Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 23
Toward McDonnell Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.27 one way
$70.53 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.33
$38.49
$76.99
premium
$4.69
$41.68
$83.35
diesel
$5.99
$53.28
$106.55
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.7
0
$23.71
$10.84
Efficient EV
56.5
0
$19.76
$9.03
EV Truck/SUV
90.3
1
$31.61
$14.45
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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
East Independence, MO
Morning
in East Independence on Saturday
Local time
7:58 AM
CDT
Current temp
33°F
Partly Cloudy then Areas Of Frost
N 1 to 8 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 9:40AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Destination
Hazelwood, MO
Morning
in Hazelwood on Saturday
Local time
7:58 AM
CDT
Current temp
41°F
Partly Cloudy
N 8 to 14 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 9:40AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
56°F
Columbia, MO
113 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
8 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 24m 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
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
$19
near mile 225.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route involves a significant portion on surface roads, with only about 50% of the travel on highways like Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway and I 270. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 157.4 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway before transitioning to more local roads. Expect frequent intersections and changes in speed limits as you pass through various towns. The profile indicates mostly surface roads, so be prepared for typical suburban and town driving conditions.
Only 2% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 157.4 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 225.8 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 220.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 220.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 24m. Total distance: 225.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 157.4 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 31 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Hazelwood, 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. There are 31 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 220.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 220.8 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 4.4 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 Hazelwood, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.
