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Trip from Independence, MO to Saint Paul, MO

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 5m

Distance

211 mi

340 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 53m ★
6 AM
4h 6m
8 AM
4h 32m
10 AM
4h 15m
12 PM
4h 12m
3 PM
4h 16m
5 PM
4h 30m
8 PM
3h 58m

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 Saint Paul, MO, MO

Saint Paul, MO

RalfGeorg Feltes

Trip Overview

This 211-mile journey from Independence, MO, to Saint Paul, MO, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $32, it's an economical option for exploring more of Missouri. The route primarily utilizes local roads like South Lynn Street, East Walnut Street, and South Noland Road, meaning you'll experience a more connected, community-based drive rather than high-speed highway cruising. Since it's a relatively short trip within the Midwest, you can easily complete it without an overnight stay, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. The drive's character suggests a less direct, more engaging experience through towns and neighborhoods.

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

105.5 miles from Independence, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 136.9 mi 2h 36m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway 54.4 mi 58m
South Noland Road 3.1 mi 5m
Josephville Road 2.9 mi 6m
MO P 2.9 mi 4m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway 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 — 136.9 mi, about 2h 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Independence, MO and Saint Paul, 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

3.1 mi · 5 min · South Noland Road
5

Turn left

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward I 70 East: Columbia, Saint Louis
6

Merge onto I 70

1.5 mi · 1 min · Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway
7

Continue on I 70

2.6 mi · 3 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
8

Continue on I 70

53 mi · 56 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
9

Continue on I 70; US 40

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

83 mi · 1 hr 37 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 212 Toward MO A Use the slight right lane.
16

At end of road, turn left onto MO A

1.1 mi · 1 min · Highway A
Use the left lane.
17

Turn right onto Josephville Road

2.9 mi · 6 min · Josephville Road
18

Turn right onto MO P

2.9 mi · 4 min · MO P
19

Turn left onto Saint Paul Road

1.4 mi · 3 min · Saint Paul Road
20

Turn right onto Hackmann Road

351 ft · 11 sec · Hackmann Road
21

Arrive at destination

Hackmann Road

Trip Plan

Since this 211-mile drive can be completed in just over 4 hours, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Aiming for a morning departure will give you ample time to reach Saint Paul with plenty of daylight remaining. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $32, you won't need to worry about extensive refueling or lengthy breaks. Pay close attention to the numerous turns indicated by the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, especially as you transition between South Lynn Street, East Walnut Street, and South Noland Road. Staying aware of posted speed limits in populated areas will be key to a smooth and timely arrival.

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 105.5 miles from Independence, MO, or about 1h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 136.9 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 46 miles or 52m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 105.5 miles or 1h 56m 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 15m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Paul, 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 211 miles and 4h 5m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 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 136.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Columbia, MO

106 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 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbia, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 105.5 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 Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 136.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: 3–8 pm

+15732346277

Visit website

Thailand Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Blue Springs, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+18162293292

Visit website

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

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Warrenton, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16364562001

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.1 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Pilot EV Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Boonville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16608829120

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Kingdom City, Missouri

+15733106020

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

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 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 202.7 — 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 | 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
7
202.4 mi into trip | ~3h 50m in

Take the exit toward MO A

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 212 Toward MO A
6
202.7 mi into trip | ~3h 50m in | MO A / Highway A

At end of road, turn left onto MO A / Highway A

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.99 one way

$65.97 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 74 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $36.22 $72.44
premium $4.89 $40.61 $81.21
diesel $5.61 $46.59 $93.17

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 73.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 63.3 0 $22.15 $10.13
Efficient EV 52.8 0 $18.46 $8.44
EV Truck/SUV 84.4 1 $29.54 $13.50

Gas CO2

74 kg

EV CO2

25 kg (66% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Independence, MO

Late night in Independence on Tuesday

Local time

3:16 AM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Saint Paul, MO

Late night in Saint Paul on Tuesday

Local time

3:16 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

69°F

Columbia, MO

106 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

6 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 5m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a 'turn-heavy' local drive for this 211-mile trip, with a 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating a series of local roads and street names, such as South Lynn Street, East Walnut Street, and South Noland Road, rather than cruising on interstates. The absence of long highway stretches suggests a drive where you'll be frequently adjusting your course and speed as you pass through various communities. This type of route often offers a more intimate feel of the landscape, though it requires constant attention to navigation. The longest uninterrupted stretch is not specified, reinforcing the idea of a route punctuated by frequent turns and changes in scenery.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 136.9 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near South Lynn Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 4h 5m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

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.

About the Cities

Starting in Independence, MO

Full guide →

Independence, known as the Queen City of the Trails, is a city in western Missouri just east of Kansas City with a population of approximately 110,000. Independence's founding predates that of Kansas City, and it was home to U.S. President Harry S. Truman and the legendary actress Ginger Rogers, as well as the starting point of three of America's great Westward Trails: the Santa Fe Trail, the California Trail, and the Oregon Trail. The city also hosts numerous historical sites related to the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS), Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormons"), American Civil War and Western history. While offering a full range of entertainment and lodging options for visitors, Independence generally tends to be more "quiet" than its larger neighbor to the west.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 5m. Total distance: 211 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 136.9 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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Saint Paul, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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