Battlefield to Independence is 169.7 miles and takes about 3 hours 32 minutes via North Kansas Expressway and MO 7, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This one-day drive will take you from the Midwest region of Missouri to another part of the same state, primarily on highways. It's a straightforward trip that doesn't require much in the way of complex planning. If you're looking for a simple, efficient journey without excessive detours, this route fits the bill.
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
84.9 miles from Battlefield, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 44m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 32m. Total distance: 169.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 87% of the route utilizing highways, making for efficient travel. You'll experience a significant stretch of 87.3 miles on the North Kansas Expressway, which offers a consistent pace. The profile suggests a straightforward driving experience, minimizing the need to navigate complex local roads for extended periods. Expect a smooth progression as you move from one primary road to the next, keeping your focus on covering ground.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
North Kansas Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 87.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Kansas Expressway and MO 7. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.4 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 169.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 11.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.8 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
11.4 mi into trip|~17m in
Take the exit toward MO 13: Bolivar
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 77
Toward MO 13: Bolivar
9
11.5 mi into trip|~17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward MO 13 North: Bolivar
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 77
Toward MO 13 North: Bolivar
5
134.8 mi into trip|~2h 40m 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...
5
138.1 mi into trip|~2h 44m 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
138.2 mi into trip|~2h 44m 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
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
North Kansas Expressway
87.3 mi
1h 43m
MO 7
39.2 mi
43m
South Noland Road
8.9 mi
15m
MO 58
8.5 mi
11m
MO 291
8.3 mi
12m
West Bypass
6.8 mi
10m
US 50
2.7 mi
3m
MO FF
2.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
North Kansas Expressway
— 87.3 mi, about 1h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Battlefield, MO and Independence, MO.
1
Start on 182
68 ft·3 sec·West 3rd Street
2
Turn right onto MO FF
2.5 mi·3 min·MO FF
3
Continue on US 160
6.8 mi·10 min·West Bypass
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 44 East: Rolla
5
Merge onto I 44
1.8 mi·2 min·Payne Stewart Highway
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Exit 77Toward MO 13: BolivarUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
187 ft·5 sec
Exit 77Toward MO 13 North: BolivarUse the left lane.
8
Continue on MO 13
87 mi·1 hr 43 min·North Kansas Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Continue on MO 7
36 mi·39 min·MO 7
10
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
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Exit 160Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
12
Keep slight right at fork
243 ft·6 sec
Toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
13
Merge onto MO 291
8.3 mi·12 min·MO 291
14
Turn slight left onto MO 58; MO 291
8.5 mi·11 min·MO 58; MO 291
15
Continue on Southwest Jefferson Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Southwest Jefferson Street
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward US 50 West: Kansas City
17
Merge onto US 50
2.7 mi·3 min·US 50
18
Continue on MO 350
2.5 mi·3 min·Blue Parkway
19
Turn right onto MO V
5.9 mi·9 min·South Noland Road
20
Continue on South Noland Road
3.1 mi·5 min·South Noland Road
21
Turn left onto East Walnut Street
466 ft·22 sec·East Walnut Street
22
Turn right onto South Lynn Street
394 ft·22 sec·South Lynn Street
23
Turn left onto East Kansas Avenue
145 ft·6 sec·East Kansas Avenue
24
Arrive at destination
East Kansas Avenue
Trip Plan
Given this drive takes just over 3.5 hours, you have plenty of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will comfortably get you to Independence with time to spare. The longest stretch without a major change in road is 87.3 miles, so plan for one primary fuel or rest stop midway if needed, perhaps around the 2-hour mark. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the latter half of the longest stretch to avoid any unnecessary delays.
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 84.9 miles from Battlefield, MO, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.3 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 37 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.9 miles or 1h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 46m
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 Battlefield, 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 Battlefield, MO
This is one driving day of about 169.7 miles and 3h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Battlefield, 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 North Kansas Expressway for about 87.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 84.9 mi from Battlefield, MO
· 1h 44m into the drive
The midpoint is around 84.9 miles from Battlefield, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before North Kansas Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 87.3 miles.
Arriving in Independence, MO
The final approach into Independence, MO usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Independence, MO.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
National Battlefield
Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and where the first Union general was killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focuse...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.53 one way
$53.06 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$29.13
$58.26
premium
$4.89
$32.66
$65.31
diesel
$5.61
$37.47
$74.94
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
19 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Dynamic EVC Charging Station
Republic, Missouri
Other
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Springfield, Missouri
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Springfield, Missouri
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Bolivar, Missouri
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Springfield, Missouri
Tesla
1 DCFC
Flying J EV Charging Station
Springfield, Missouri
Other
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Bolivar, Missouri
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Bolivar, Missouri
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint: 9
Tesla Destination: 4
Other: 3
Tesla: 1
EV Connect: 1
Blink: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.9
0
$17.82
$8.15
Efficient EV
42.4
0
$14.85
$6.79
EV Truck/SUV
67.9
0
$23.76
$10.86
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Battlefield, MO
Afternoon
in Battlefield on Friday
Local time
4:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Independence, MO
Afternoon
in Independence on Friday
Local time
4:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
55°F
Garden City, MO
85 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
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 32m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Battlefield, MO to Independence, MO covers 169.7 miles and takes about 3h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are North Kansas Expressway, MO 7, South Noland Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 84.9 miles from Battlefield, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.53 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 169.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 11.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.8 miles (MO 7): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Battlefield, MO to Independence, MO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
