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Trip from Independence, MO to Forsyth, 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 18m

Distance

217.1 mi

349 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 5m ★
6 AM
4h 19m
8 AM
4h 45m
10 AM
4h 28m
12 PM
4h 25m
3 PM
4h 29m
5 PM
4h 44m
8 PM
4h 11m

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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city in Jackson and Clay counties in Missouri, United States, that is one of two county seats in Jackson County

Independence, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Forsyth, MO, MO

Forsyth, MO

Lena Khrupina

Trip Overview

This 217.1-mile drive from Independence, MO, to Forsyth, MO, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 18 minutes of pure driving time. You'll be spending about 84% of your journey on highways, primarily following MO 13, MO 7, and I-49. With an estimated fuel cost of $34, this route through the heart of the Midwest offers a straightforward path. Consider this a practical and efficient journey, perfect for those looking to get from point A to point B without extensive detours. It's a solid option for a day trip, allowing for a relaxed pace without needing an overnight stay.

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

108.6 miles from Independence, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
MO 13 68 mi 1h 19m
MO 7 55.6 mi 1h 4m
I 49 26 mi 28m
American Legion Memorial Highway 12.1 mi 13m
US Highway 65 12 mi 13m
Schoolcraft Freeway 10.7 mi 13m
US 160 10.3 mi 15m
Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway 8.3 mi 9m
Longest stretch: MO 13 — 68 mi, about 1h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on East Kansas Avenue

145 ft · 8 sec · East Kansas Avenue
2

Turn right onto South Lynn Street

394 ft · 22 sec · South Lynn Street
3

Turn left onto East Walnut Street

466 ft · 25 sec · East Walnut Street
4

Turn right onto South Noland Road

3.0 mi · 4 min · South Noland Road
5

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 70 West: Kansas City
6

Continue on I 70

2.9 mi · 3 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
7

Continue on I 70

1.1 mi · 1 min · George Brett Super Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Exit 8A Toward I 435 South: Wichita Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto I 435

8.3 mi · 9 min · Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 45 sec
Exit 71 Toward I 49 South, US 71 South, I 470 East, US 50 East: Joplin, Lee's Summit Use the slight right lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 12 sec
Toward I 49, I 470, US 50 East, US 71 South: Joplin, Lee's Summit Use the slight left lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
13

Merge onto I 49; US 71

26 mi · 28 min · I 49; US 71
14

Take the exit onto MO 7

0.2 mi · 19 sec · MO 7
Exit 157 Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
15

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.
16

Continue on MO 13

68 mi · 1 hr 19 min · MO 13
Use the straight / right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward I 44 East: Rolla, Saint Louis
18

Merge onto I 44

4.3 mi · 5 min · Payne Stewart Highway
19

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Exit 82A Toward US 65 South: Branson
20

Merge onto US 65

11 mi · 13 min · Schoolcraft Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Continue on US 65

11 mi · 12 min · American Legion Memorial Highway
22

Continue on US 65

12 mi · 13 min · US Highway 65
23

Continue on US 65

1.2 mi · 1 min · American Legion Memorial Highway
24

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Toward US 160: Reed Springs Junction, Forsyth
25

Turn left onto US 160

4.3 mi · 6 min · US 160
26

Turn slight left onto US 160; MO 176

6.0 mi · 9 min · US 160; MO 176
27

Turn slight right onto Rockhill Drive

0.1 mi · 24 sec · Rockhill Drive
28

Arrive at destination

Rockhill Drive

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 18-minute duration, departing Independence, MO, in the morning will allow you to reach Forsyth, MO, with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $34, this trip is budget-friendly and doesn't require extensive planning for refueling. The longest stretch on MO 13 is 68 miles, so plan a brief pause just before or after this segment to stretch your legs. This route is flexible, so you can adjust your departure time based on your preference, but aim to hit the highway sections like I-49 during less congested times if possible.

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 108.6 miles from Independence, MO, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68 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 48 miles or 57m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 108.6 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 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Forsyth, 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 217.1 miles and 4h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 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 MO 13 for about 68 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and county seat of Benton County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Warsaw, MO

109 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

Garden City, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Warsaw, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 108.6 miles from Independence, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before MO 13 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68 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

Oseyo Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Bolivar, Missouri

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 139.6

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14173262100

Visit website

Culver’s

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Ozark, Missouri

2.3 mi

Cantonese Kitchen

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Springfield, Missouri

2.6 mi

Oseyo Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 139.6

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14173262100

Visit website

Culver’s

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 186.1

Ozark, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+14174852991

Visit website

Cantonese Kitchen

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.6

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+14177715621

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18167955520

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 170.6

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 139.6

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 139.6

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Dynamic Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 170.6

Springfield, Missouri

+18332172197

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 170.6

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 186.1

Ozark, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 139.6

Bolivar, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14173260188

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 170.6

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 16.8 — 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

7
7.3 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the exit toward I 435 South: Wichita

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 8A Toward I 435 South: Wichita
8
16 mi into trip | ~21m in

Take the exit toward I 49 South, US 71 South, I 470 East, US 50 East: Joplin, Lee's Summit

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 71 Toward I 49 South, US 71 South, I 470 East, US...
8
16.6 mi into trip | ~21m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 49, I 470, US 50 East, US 71 South: Joplin, Lee's Summit

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 49, I 470, US 50 East, US 71 South: Jo...
7
16.8 mi into trip | ~22m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.94 one way

$67.88 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 76 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $37.27 $74.53
premium $4.89 $41.78 $83.56
diesel $5.61 $47.93 $95.87

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 76 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 65.1 0 $22.80 $10.42
Efficient EV 54.3 0 $19.00 $8.68
EV Truck/SUV 86.8 1 $30.39 $13.89

Gas CO2

76 kg

EV CO2

25 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 15, 2026

Origin

Independence, MO

Night in Independence on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Forsyth, MO

Night in Forsyth on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

80°F

Warsaw, MO

109 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

3 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 18m 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.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

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...

10 mi from route ~25 min detour Free near mile 179.7
Caution: BE AWARE OF HIGH-WATER DANGER
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 predominantly highway-focused drive, with 84% of the 217.1 miles spent on faster roads like I-49 and MO 13. The longest continuous stretch without a major change in road type is 68 miles along MO 13, offering a substantial period of consistent travel. While largely highway, the route incorporates a mix of major interstates and state highways, providing a dynamic driving experience. This blend ensures a good balance between sustained speed and the occasional shift in scenery and road conditions as you progress south.

84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 68 mi on MO 13.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 South Lynn Street.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 18 significant decision points across 217.1 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: near the start (South Lynn Street): Navigation decision point; at 7.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 16 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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.

Between Independence, MO and Forsyth, MO, road signs point toward Lee's Summit and Saint Louis.

Lee's Summit

16 mi in | ~21m

Saint Louis

166.8 mi in | ~3h 14m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 18m. Total distance: 217.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 68 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 Forsyth, 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 (South Lynn Street): Navigation decision point; at 7.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 16 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Forsyth, 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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