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 Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 5m

Distance

211 mi

340 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

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

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

Traffic on I-70

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 23 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

4 PM

~3,281 veh/hr typical · worst 3,830

Quietest

1 AM

~292 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

11.2×

busier at peak than in the quiet hours

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

Averaged across 52 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 Independence, MO and Saint Paul, MO.

Start on East Kansas Avenue

145 ft · 8 sec · East Kansas Avenue

Turn right onto South Lynn Street

394 ft · 22 sec · South Lynn Street

Turn left onto East Walnut Street

466 ft · 25 sec · East Walnut Street

Turn right onto South Noland Road

3.1 mi · 5 min · South Noland Road

Turn left

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward I 70 East: Columbia, Saint Louis

Merge onto I 70

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

Continue on I 70

2.6 mi · 3 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway

Continue on I 70

53 mi · 56 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

32 mi · 34 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 70

22 mi · 24 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.8 mi · 2 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.6 mi · 1 min · Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.9 mi · 2 min · Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

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

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Exit 212 Toward MO A Use the slight right lane.

At end of road, turn left onto MO A

1.1 mi · 1 min · Highway A

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto Josephville Road

2.9 mi · 6 min · Josephville Road

Turn right onto MO P

2.9 mi · 4 min · MO P

Turn left onto Saint Paul Road

1.4 mi · 3 min · Saint Paul Road

Turn right onto Hackmann Road

351 ft · 11 sec · Hackmann Road

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

Marshall, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Wooldridge, 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

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

0.3 mi from route

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.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | South Lynn Street

Turn right onto South Lynn Street

Navigation decision point

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | East Walnut Street

Turn left onto East Walnut Street

Navigation decision point

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

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

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

$31.16 one way

$62.32 round trip

$3.75/gal 25.4 MPG avg 74 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.14	$34.40	$68.80
premium	$4.72	$39.18	$78.35
diesel	$4.80	$39.84	$79.68

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	63.3	0	$22.16	$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 Jul 19, 2026

Origin

Independence, MO

Morning in Independence on Sunday

Local time

6:01 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy

SSW 5 mph 16% chance Live forecast

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN

Destination

Saint Paul, MO

Morning in Saint Paul on Sunday

Local time

6:01 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

W 1 to 6 mph 18% chance Live forecast

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN

91°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

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.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,034 ft 515 ft

Total Climb

526 ft

Total Descent

1,046 ft

Highest Point

1,034 ft

Elevation Range

520 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Independence, MO

Full guide →

Founded 1827

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.

Top landmarks

• Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum — presidential library and museum for U.S. President Harry S. Truman, located in I...
• Temple Lot — Geographical location important in Latter Day Saint history
• Harry S. Truman National Historic Site — national Historic Site of the United States in Missouri

Arriving in Saint Paul, MO

Full guide →

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.

Yes — we found about 29 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.

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.

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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Independence, MO to Saint Paul, MO

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Traffic on I-70

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant

Thailand Restaurant

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Destination Charger

Flying J EV Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Pilot EV Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Wright City Rest Area (Eastbound)

Concordia Rest Area Eastbound

Truck Parking

Rest Area

Wright City Rest Area (Westbound)

TA

Petro Stopping Centers

TA

Flying J Travel Center

Pilot Travel Center

Truck Parking

Concordia Rest Area Westbound

Boonville Rest Area Eastbound

Boonville Rest Area Westbound

Betty's Truck Stop

Midway Auto Truck Plaza

Rest Area

Service Plaza

Love's Travel Stop

Love's Travel Stop

Mr. Fuel Travel Center

Love's Travel Stop

TA

QuikTrip

West Land Travel Center

Service Plaza

Petro Stopping Centers

Pilot Travel Center

Gasper's

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Independence, MO

Saint Paul, MO

Same local time

Very similar conditions

4h 5m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

About the Cities

Starting in Independence, MO

Arriving in Saint Paul, MO

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Saint Paul, MO

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