Wright City Rest Area (Eastbound)
0 mi from route
Trip from Independence, MO to Wentzville, MO
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 49m
Distance
200.6 mi
323 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 36m
★
6 AM
3h 49m
8 AM
4h 15m
10 AM
3h 58m
12 PM
3h 56m
3 PM
3h 59m
5 PM
4h 13m
8 PM
3h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Independence, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Wentzville, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Independence, MO to Wentzville, MO is 200.6 miles and takes about 3h 49m via Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Missouri and the Midwest region, offering a straightforward trip. Given its relatively short duration and surface road profile, it's a route best suited for a single day. Plan for this to be a more local feel, traversing familiar terrain rather than dramatic landscapes. It's a practical option when you need to get from point A to point B efficiently within the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
100.3 miles from Independence, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway | 134.4 mi | 2h 32m |
| U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway | 54.4 mi | 58m |
| South Noland Road | 3.1 mi | 5m |
| 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 |
| Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway | 1.5 mi | 1m |
| South Church Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 134.4 mi, about 2h 32m
Traffic on I-70
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 17 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,343 veh/hr typical · worst 3,885
Quietest
2 AM
~293 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.4×
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 Wentzville, 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
80 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 209
Toward MO Z
16
Turn left onto MO Z
424 ft
·
10 sec
·
South Church Street
17
Enter roundabout onto South Church Street
84 ft
·
3 sec
·
South Church Street
18
Continue on South Church Street
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
South Church Street
19
Turn right onto West 4th Street
442 ft
·
20 sec
·
West 4th Street
20
At end of road, turn left onto South Linn Avenue
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
South Linn Avenue
21
Turn right onto East Allen Street
40 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Allen Street
22
Arrive at destination
East Allen Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a one-day trip covering 200.6 miles, leaving Independence, MO in the morning will allow ample time to reach Wentzville, MO before evening. With a 3h 49m estimated drive time and a fuel cost around $31, you can be quite flexible with stops. Given the extensive surface road driving, keep an eye on local traffic signals and speed limits, especially as you pass through populated areas. The longest stretch is 134.4 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, so consider a brief stop before or around that point for a stretch and to refuel if needed, though the entire trip is easily manageable without a major overnight break.
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 100.3 miles from Independence, MO, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 134.4 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 44 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 100.3 miles or 1h 51m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wentzville, 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 200.6 miles and 3h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 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 134.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
100 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 100.3 miles from Independence, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 134.4 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.
Concordia Rest Area Eastbound
0 mi from route
Truck Parking
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Wright City Rest Area (Westbound)
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Truck Parking
0.1 mi from route
Concordia Rest Area Westbound
0.1 mi from route
Boonville Rest Area Eastbound
0.1 mi from route
Boonville Rest Area Westbound
0.1 mi from route
Betty's Truck Stop
0.1 mi from route
Midway Auto Truck Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Mr. Fuel Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
West Land Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Gasper's
0.3 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 200.5 — 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
5
199.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 46m in
Take the exit toward MO Z
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 209
Toward MO Z
6
200.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 48m in
|
South Linn Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto South Linn Avenue
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.62 one way
$59.25 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
70 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $32.70 | $65.41 |
| premium | $4.72 | $37.25 | $74.49 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $37.88 | $75.75 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 70.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 60.2 | 0 | $21.06 | $9.63 |
| Efficient EV | 50.2 | 0 | $17.55 | $8.02 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 80.2 | 1 | $28.08 | $12.84 |
Gas CO2
70 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (67% 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.
Origin
Independence, MO
Morning in Independence on Sunday
Local time
6:16 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 8:17PM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:55PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Destination
Wentzville, MO
Morning in Wentzville on Sunday
Local time
6:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 2 mph
17% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 8:17PM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:55PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
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
3h 49m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily surface roads, with 0% highway driving, meaning you'll be on local streets for the entire 200.6 miles. The longest continuous stretch on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway measures 134.4 miles before transitioning to other main roads like U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway and South Noland Road. Expect frequent intersections and changes in speed limits as you navigate through towns and suburban areas. You'll notice the landscape shift from more open stretches to built-up environments as you progress.
Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 134.4 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 3h 49m drive. You will face about 12 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
624 ft
Total Climb
689 ft
Total Descent
1,092 ft
Highest Point
1,034 ft
Elevation Range
411 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 Wentzville, MO
Full guide →Founded 1855
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 3h 49m. Total distance: 200.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 49m 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 134.4 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.
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 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Wentzville, 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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