Roubidoux, MO to Independence, MO is 222.2 miles and takes about 5h 9m via MO 7, MO 17, and MO 5, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest region, specifically crossing Missouri. Given its mostly highway profile and manageable distance, this route is well-suited for a single-day drive. You'll find the driving straightforward, making it a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
111.1 miles from Roubidoux, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MO 7
108.1 mi
2h 21m
MO 17
29.5 mi
42m
MO 5
24.9 mi
29m
I 44
9.9 mi
10m
South Noland Road
8.9 mi
15m
MO 58
8.5 mi
11m
MO 291
8.3 mi
12m
US Historic 66
6.3 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
MO 7
— 108.1 mi, about 2h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roubidoux, MO and Independence, MO.
1
Start on Flat Rock Road
0.1 mi·27 sec·Flat Rock Road
2
Turn left onto Roubidoux Road
310 ft·13 sec·Roubidoux Road
3
Turn slight right onto Gladden Road
3.0 mi·11 min·Gladden Road
4
At end of road, turn right onto MO M
0.8 mi·2 min·MO M
5
Turn left onto MO 17; MO 32
29 mi·42 min·MO 17; MO 32
6
Turn left
176 ft·8 sec
7
Turn left onto US Historic 66; MO AB
6.3 mi·8 min·US Historic 66; MO AB
8
Turn right onto MO AB
226 ft·3 sec·MO AB
9
Continue on MO 133
0.1 mi·17 sec·MO 133
10
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I 44 West: Springfield
11
Merge onto I 44
9.9 mi·10 min·I 44
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 135Toward MO F: Sleeper
13
Turn right onto MO F; US Historic 66
2.3 mi·4 min·MO F; US Historic 66
14
Turn slight left onto MO F
2.3 mi·4 min·MO F
15
Continue on MO BB
2.4 mi·4 min·MO BB
16
At end of road, turn right onto MO 5
25 mi·29 min·MO 5
17
Turn left onto MO 7
37 mi·53 min·MO 7
18
Take the exit onto MO 7
0.3 mi·33 sec·MO 7
Toward MO 7 North: Warsaw, Clinton
19
Turn left onto MO 7
28 mi·38 min·MO 7
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on MO 7; MO 13; MO 52
39 mi·44 min·MO 7; MO 13; MO 52
21
Take the exit onto MO 7
3.3 mi·3 min·MO 7
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Exit 160Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
23
Keep slight right at fork
243 ft·6 sec
Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
24
Merge onto MO 291
8.3 mi·12 min·MO 291
25
Turn slight left onto MO 58; MO 291
8.5 mi·11 min·MO 58; MO 291
26
Continue on Southwest Jefferson Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Southwest Jefferson Street
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward US 50 West: Kansas City
28
Merge onto US 50
2.7 mi·3 min·US 50
29
Continue on MO 350
2.5 mi·3 min·Blue Parkway
30
Turn right onto MO V
5.9 mi·9 min·South Noland Road
31
Continue on South Noland Road
3.1 mi·5 min·South Noland Road
32
Turn left onto East Walnut Street
466 ft·22 sec·East Walnut Street
33
Turn right onto South Lynn Street
394 ft·22 sec·South Lynn Street
34
Turn left onto East Kansas Avenue
145 ft·6 sec·East Kansas Avenue
35
Arrive at destination
East Kansas Avenue
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just over 5 hours, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to allow for flexibility and avoid feeling rushed. The estimated fuel cost is around $35, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Roubidoux. Pay attention to the transition points between MO 7 and the subsequent state routes, as this is where the driving experience will change from pure highway to potentially more local roads.
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 111.1 miles from Roubidoux, MO, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 108.1 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 49 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.1 miles or 2h 41m 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 11m
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 Roubidoux, 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 Roubidoux, MO
This is one driving day of about 222.2 miles and 5h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Roubidoux, 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 MO 7 for about 108.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 39.9 and 190.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
39.9 mi into trip|~1h 5m in
Take the ramp toward I 44 West: Springfield
Navigation decision point
Toward I 44 West: Springfield
5
50.2 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Take the exit toward MO F: Sleeper
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 135
Toward MO F: Sleeper
5
119.7 mi into trip|~2h 53m in|MO 7
Take the exit onto MO 7 toward MO 7 North: Warsaw, Clinton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MO 7 North: Warsaw, Clinton
5
187.2 mi into trip|~4h 17m in|MO 7
Take the exit onto MO 7 toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kan...
6
190.7 mi into trip|~4h 21m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.81 one way
$65.63 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$36.23
$72.45
premium
$4.72
$41.26
$82.51
diesel
$4.80
$41.96
$83.91
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: 77.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.7
0
$23.33
$10.67
Efficient EV
55.6
0
$19.44
$8.89
EV Truck/SUV
88.9
1
$31.11
$14.22
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Roubidoux, MO
Late night
in Roubidoux on Monday
Local time
1:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 9 mph18% chanceLive 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
Independence, MO
Late night
in Independence on Monday
Local time
1:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 6 mph28% chanceLive 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
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
3 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 9m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 88% of the 222.2 miles covered on high-speed roads. You'll encounter a long stretch of 108.1 miles on MO 7 before transitioning to MO 17 and MO 5. Expect a consistent cruising experience for the majority of the trip, with fewer exits and more open road on the main highways.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 108.1 mi on MO 7.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 7 and MO 17. You will hit about 23 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 39.9 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
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 222.2 miles you will encounter 23 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: at 39.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 50.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 119.7 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,307 ft746 ft
Total Climb
689 ft
Total Descent
784 ft
Highest Point
1,307 ft
~15.9 mi in
Elevation Range
561 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Roubidoux, MO and Independence, MO, road signs point toward Mo F: Sleeper and Clinton.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 9m. Total distance: 222.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 108.1 miles on MO 7. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 2 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.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Independence, MO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
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. There are 2 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 39.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 50.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 119.7 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 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.
