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Trip from Lamar, MO to Independence, MO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 19m

Distance

116.3 mi

187 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 10m ★
6 AM
2h 20m
8 AM
2h 39m
10 AM
2h 26m
12 PM
2h 24m
3 PM
2h 27m
5 PM
2h 38m
8 PM
2h 14m

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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Downtown Lamar, MO, MO

Lamar, MO

Valeria Boltneva

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

Independence, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 116.3-mile drive from Lamar, MO to Independence, MO is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 19 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-49, with brief sections of South Noland Road and MO-58, this route offers a highway-focused experience through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $18, it's an economical option for a quick journey. You'll find this drive is best suited for those who prefer efficient travel, as there are no planned stops in the data, allowing for a direct transit between your starting and ending points.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

58.1 miles from Lamar, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 3m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 49 83.2 mi 1h 29m
South Noland Road 8.9 mi 15m
MO 58 8.5 mi 11m
MO 291 8.3 mi 12m
US 50 2.7 mi 3m
Blue Parkway 2.5 mi 3m
12th Street West 1.2 mi 1m
Southwest Jefferson Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 49 — 83.2 mi, about 1h 29m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

134 ft · 11 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto 11th Street West

252 ft · 6 sec · 11th Street West
3

Turn left onto Gulf Street

474 ft · 29 sec · Gulf Street
4

Turn right onto US 160

1.2 mi · 1 min · 12th Street West
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 9 sec
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North: Kansas City
6

Merge onto I 49; US 71

83 mi · 1 hr 29 min · I 49; US 71
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec
Exit 160 Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
8

Keep slight right at fork

243 ft · 6 sec
Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
9

Merge onto MO 291

8.3 mi · 12 min · MO 291
10

Turn slight left onto MO 58; MO 291

8.5 mi · 11 min · MO 58; MO 291
11

Continue on Southwest Jefferson Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Southwest Jefferson Street
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward US 50 West: Kansas City
13

Merge onto US 50

2.7 mi · 3 min · US 50
14

Continue on MO 350

2.5 mi · 3 min · Blue Parkway
15

Turn right onto MO V

5.9 mi · 9 min · South Noland Road
16

Continue on South Noland Road

3.1 mi · 5 min · South Noland Road
17

Turn left onto East Walnut Street

466 ft · 22 sec · East Walnut Street
18

Turn right onto South Lynn Street

394 ft · 22 sec · South Lynn Street
19

Turn left onto East Kansas Avenue

145 ft · 6 sec · East Kansas Avenue
20

Arrive at destination

East Kansas Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the short 2 hour and 19 minute duration, this 116.3-mile trip from Lamar to Independence is ideal for a flexible day trip. You can depart at your leisure, perhaps in the late morning to avoid early rush, and still arrive with plenty of daylight. The $18 fuel cost is minimal, so keep an eye on your gauge, but major refueling stops are unlikely to be a necessity. Since the longest stretch is 83.2 miles on I-49, plan a brief break around the halfway point if you prefer, though no specific rest areas are highlighted. The direct highway nature of this route means you can focus on getting to your destination efficiently.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 58.1 miles from Lamar, MO, or about 1h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.2 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 26 miles or 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58.1 miles or 1h 3m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 47m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Independence, MO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lamar, 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 Lamar, MO

This is one driving day of about 116.3 miles and 2h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Lamar, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 49 for about 83.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Harrisonville, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Harrisonville, MO

58 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.

Popular next leg

Harrisonville, MO to Independence, MO

32.9 mi · 50m

Pacing Suggestions

Nevada, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rich Hill, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.1 miles from Lamar, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 49 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 83.2 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

Café Verona

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Independence, Missouri

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30 mile 116.3

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18168330044

Visit website

Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Nevada, Missouri

1.8 mi

Café Verona

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30 mile 116.3

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18168330044

Visit website

Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.9

Nevada, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14174486262

Visit website

Olive Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18167630009

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 116.3

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18167955520

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 24.9

Nevada, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 116.2 — 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 | 11th Street West

Turn right onto 11th Street West

Navigation decision point

5
84.6 mi into trip | ~1h 31m in

Take the exit toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 160 Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
6
84.8 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in

Keep slight right at fork toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
5
101.8 mi into trip | ~1h 56m in

Take the exit toward US 50 West: Kansas City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward US 50 West: Kansas City
5
116.2 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in | South Lynn Street

Turn right onto South Lynn Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.18 one way

$36.36 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $19.96 $39.93
premium $4.89 $22.38 $44.76
diesel $5.61 $25.68 $51.36

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 34.9 0 $12.21 $5.58
Efficient EV 29.1 0 $10.18 $4.65
EV Truck/SUV 46.5 0 $16.28 $7.44

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 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 15, 2026

Origin

Lamar, MO

Late night in Lamar on Sunday

Local time

2:27 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Independence, MO

Late night in Independence on Sunday

Local time

2:28 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

2h 19m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 116.3-mile journey, with 90% of the drive taking place on interstates and major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 83.2 miles on I-49, providing a consistent pace for a significant portion of your travel. While the route is largely highway-centric, there are brief transitions onto South Noland Road and MO-58, offering slight variations in the driving environment before returning to the main thoroughfare. This profile suggests a drive characterized by steady speeds and efficient transit rather than winding backroads.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 83.2 mi on I 49.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 49 and South Noland Road. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 11th Street West.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 116.3 miles you will encounter 13 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 (11th Street West): Navigation decision point; at 84.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 84.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 19m. Total distance: 116.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 83.2 miles on I 49. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 (11th Street West): Navigation decision point; at 84.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 84.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Independence, MO before heading back.

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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