Spanning 233 miles across the Missouri Midwest, this cross-state journey connects Independence to Brentwood in approximately 4 hours and 29 minutes. You can easily manage this as a single-day trip, making it a straightforward option for travelers looking to traverse the state without needing an overnight stop. Budgeting around $35 for fuel should keep you covered for the entire excursion. Because the route is entirely highway-based, you will spend your time moving efficiently between these two points. It is a practical drive that favors utility over complexity, ideal for those who prefer a direct path across the region.
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
116.5 miles from Independence, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m 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
27.7 mi
33m
South Noland Road
3.1 mi
5m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
2.6 mi
3m
Daniel Boone Expressway
2.6 mi
3m
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
1.9 mi
2m
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 Independence, MO and Brentwood, MO.
32 mi·34 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
22 mi·24 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
11
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi·2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
12
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi·1 min·Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
13
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.9 mi·2 min·Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
14
Continue on I 70; US 40
81 mi·1 hr 35 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
15
Take the exit onto US 40
0.3 mi·33 sec·US 40
Exit 210AToward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Chesterfield
16
Merge onto I 64; US 40; US 61
28 mi·33 min·Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Continue on I 64; US 40
2.6 mi·3 min·Daniel Boone Expressway
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 30Toward McKnight RoadUse the slight right lane.
19
Turn right onto South McKnight Road
0.7 mi·1 min·South McKnight Road
20
Turn left onto Litzsinger Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Litzsinger Road
Use the left lane.
21
Turn right
59 ft·9 sec
22
Turn left
68 ft·4 sec
23
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this 233-mile route is easily completed in under five hours, you have the flexibility to depart at a time that best suits your schedule without worrying about finding lodging mid-trip. Planning for at least one stop will help you break up the monotony of the long highway stretches. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the 135.3-mile stretch on the Eisenhower Highway, as this is your most sustained period of driving. Given the turn-heavy nature of the final segments, staying alert as you transition between the various memorial highways is key to a smooth arrival in Brentwood. Use your one planned stop to stretch your legs and reset your focus before finishing the final leg of the journey.
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 116.5 miles from Independence, MO, or about 2h 8m 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 51 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.5 miles or 2h 8m 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brentwood, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving 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 Independence, MO
This is one driving day of about 233 miles and 4h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 231.3 — 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|South Lynn Street
Turn right onto South Lynn Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|East Walnut Street
Turn left onto East Walnut Street
Navigation decision point
6
3.3 mi into trip|~6m in
Turn left toward I 70 East: Columbia, Saint Louis
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 70 East: Columbia, Saint Louis
6
200.8 mi into trip|~3h 48m in|US 40
Take the exit onto US 40 toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Chesterfield
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 210A
Toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Ches...
7
231.3 mi into trip|~4h 25m in
Take the exit toward McKnight Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 30
Toward McKnight Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.43 one way
$72.85 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$40.00
$79.99
premium
$4.89
$44.84
$89.68
diesel
$5.61
$51.44
$102.89
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.9
0
$24.46
$11.18
Efficient EV
58.3
0
$20.39
$9.32
EV Truck/SUV
93.2
1
$32.62
$14.91
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 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 Apr 13, 2026
Origin
Independence, MO
Night
in Independence on Saturday
Local time
9:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Partly Cloudy
SSW 10 to 14 mph11% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:46PM CDT until April 18 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:46PM CDT until April 20 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Destination
Brentwood, MO
Night
in Brentwood on Saturday
Local time
9:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Chance Rain Showers
SW 9 to 13 mph27% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:46PM CDT until April 18 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:46PM CDT until April 20 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
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
2 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 29m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive defined by high-speed transit, as the route is comprised entirely of highway driving. You will spend a significant portion of your time on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of 135.3 miles. The character of the road shifts from the initial transit on the Eisenhower Highway to segments of the U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway and the Avenue of the Saints. While the profile is categorized as a turn-heavy local drive, the heavy reliance on these main arteries keeps the pace consistent. Be prepared for a functional, interstate-focused experience that prioritizes steady mileage over winding backroads.
Only 1% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
23 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?
5/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near South Lynn Street.
Driving Effort5/10
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 233 miles you will encounter 12 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: near the start (South Lynn Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (East Walnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,035 ft483 ft
Total Climb
273 ft
Total Descent
825 ft
Highest Point
1,035 ft
Elevation Range
553 ft
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 29m. Total distance: 233 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (1%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (South Lynn Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (East Walnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Brentwood, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.
