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Trip from Leadwood, 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

5h 42m

Distance

272 mi

438 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 29m ★
6 AM
5h 42m
8 AM
6h 9m
10 AM
5h 52m
12 PM
5h 49m
3 PM
5h 53m
5 PM
6h 7m
8 PM
5h 34m

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 Leadwood, MO, MO

Leadwood, MO

Kelly

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

Embark on a 272-mile journey from Leadwood, MO to Independence, MO, a drive that will take approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes. This Midwest to Midwest trip primarily utilizes I-70 and MO-47, with a significant 94% of the route being highway driving. With an estimated fuel cost of $43, this route is easily manageable as a single-day trip, though you might consider splitting it if you prefer a more relaxed pace. The overall feel is a straightforward, highway-focused drive, perfect for covering ground efficiently within Missouri.

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

136 miles from Leadwood, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 9m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 70 176.4 mi 3h 14m
MO 47 51.5 mi 1h 22m
MO 21 11.1 mi 15m
MO 8 10.6 mi 15m
MO 30 6.2 mi 9m
North Main Street 6.2 mi 8m
South Noland Road 3 mi 5m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway 2.7 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 70 — 176.4 mi, about 3h 14m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Warner Drive

0.2 mi · 27 sec · West Warner Drive
2

Continue on West North Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · West North Street
3

Turn right onto MO M

245 ft · 13 sec · MO M
4

Turn left onto MO 8

11 mi · 15 min · MO 8
5

Turn right onto MO 21

11 mi · 15 min · MO 21
6

Turn left onto MO 47

20 mi · 34 min · MO 47
7

At end of road, turn left onto MO 30; MO 47

6.2 mi · 9 min · MO 30; MO 47
8

Turn straight onto US Historic 66; MO 47

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Commercial Avenue
9

Turn left onto MO 47

6.2 mi · 8 min · North Main Street
10

At end of road, turn left onto US 50; MO 47

0.5 mi · 54 sec · US 50; MO 47
Use the straight lane.
11

Turn right onto MO 47

31 mi · 47 min · MO 47
Use the right lane.
12

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 12 sec
Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Columbia, Jonesburg
13

Merge onto I 70; US 40

176 mi · 3 hr 14 min · I 70; US 40
14

Continue on I 70

2.7 mi · 3 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
15

Continue on I 70

1.4 mi · 1 min · Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 12 Toward Noland Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Turn right onto South Noland Road

3.0 mi · 5 min · South Noland Road
18

Turn left onto East Walnut Street

466 ft · 22 sec · East Walnut Street
19

Turn right onto South Lynn Street

394 ft · 22 sec · South Lynn Street
20

Turn left onto East Kansas Avenue

145 ft · 6 sec · East Kansas Avenue
21

Arrive at destination

East Kansas Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour and 42-minute duration, leaving Leadwood early in the morning is your best bet for completing this 272-mile trip in one day. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to decide when and where to take breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 176.4-mile stretch on I-70, as services can be more spread out on interstates. The $43 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always have a little extra for unforeseen circumstances. This route is designed for efficient travel, so plan your stops to maximize your time at your destination in Independence.

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 136 miles from Leadwood, MO, or about 3h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 176.4 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 60 miles or 1h 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 136 miles or 3h 9m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 45m

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 Leadwood, 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 Leadwood, MO

This is one driving day of about 272 miles and 5h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Leadwood, 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 I 70 for about 176.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Washington, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Washington, MO

136 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

Wentzville, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fulton, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 136 miles from Leadwood, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 70 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 176.4 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

Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia, Missouri

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 155.4

Hours: 3–8 pm

+15732346277

Visit website

Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 155.4

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: 3–8 pm

+15732346277

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 272

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18167955520

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 155.4

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 233.1

Higginsville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16602071324

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 155.4

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 136

Kingdom City, Missouri

+15733106020

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 155.4

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 155.4

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 155.4

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 136

Kingdom City, 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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 56.3 and 271.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
56.3 mi into trip | ~1h 28m in | US 50; MO 47

At end of road, turn left onto US 50; MO 47

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
56.7 mi into trip | ~1h 28m in | MO 47

Turn right onto MO 47

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
87.8 mi into trip | ~2h 16m in

Take the ramp toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Columbia, Jonesburg

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Columbia, Jonesbu...
7
268.5 mi into trip | ~5h 35m in

Take the exit toward Noland Road

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 12 Toward Noland Road
5
271.9 mi into trip | ~5h 41m in | South Lynn Street

Turn right onto South Lynn Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$42.52 one way

$85.05 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 95 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $46.69 $93.38
premium $4.89 $52.34 $104.69
diesel $5.61 $60.05 $120.11

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$43

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$68–$93

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 95.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 81.6 1 $28.56 $13.06
Efficient EV 68 0 $23.80 $10.88
EV Truck/SUV 108.8 1 $38.08 $17.41

Gas CO2

95 kg

EV CO2

32 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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

Leadwood, MO

Night in Leadwood on Saturday

Local time

11:14 PM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Independence, MO

Night in Independence on Saturday

Local time

11:14 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Washington, MO

136 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

17 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

5h 42m 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?

This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 94% of the 272 miles on faster roads like I-70 and MO-47. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 176.4 miles on I-70, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. While predominantly highway, the inclusion of MO-21 and MO-47 introduces some variation, likely providing brief glimpses of different Missouri landscapes as you transition between major arteries. Expect a consistent driving experience for the majority of this trip.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 176.4 mi on I 70.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and MO 47. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 56.3 miles in near US 50; MO 47.

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 5h 42m drive. You will face about 14 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 56.3 miles (US 50; MO 47): Lane positioning matters here; at 56.7 miles (MO 47): Lane positioning matters here; at 87.8 miles: 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.

On the drive from Leadwood, MO to Independence, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Jonesburg along the way.

Jonesburg

87.8 mi in | ~2h 16m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 42m. Total distance: 272 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 176.4 miles on I 70. 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.

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: at 56.3 miles (US 50; MO 47): Lane positioning matters here; at 56.7 miles (MO 47): Lane positioning matters here; at 87.8 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Independence, MO before the return drive.

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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