Origin
Independence, MO
Morning in Independence on Monday
Local time
10:55 AM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Independence, MO to Anderson, MO
Drive Time
3h 29m
Distance
188.7 mi
304 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 17m
★
6 AM
3h 29m
8 AM
3h 54m
10 AM
3h 38m
12 PM
3h 35m
3 PM
3h 39m
5 PM
3h 53m
8 PM
3h 22m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Independence, MO
Ever Rayan
Anderson, MO
life vibes
Trip Overview
The drive from Independence, MO to Anderson, MO covers 188.7 miles and takes about 3h 29m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 49, Purple Heart Trail, Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 129.8 miles on I 49. At current regular gas prices, budget about $28.66 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
94.3 miles from Independence, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .
Drive Character
This is a 3h 29m highway drive covering 188.7 miles, with most of the trip on I 49 and Purple Heart Trail. The longest continuous stretch is about 129.8 miles on I 49.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 49 is the longest continuous segment at about 129.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 49 and Purple Heart Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.3 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 188.7 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 7.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 16 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
7.3 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the exit toward I 435 South: Wichita
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 8A
Toward I 435 South: Wichita
8
16 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Take the exit toward I 49 South, US 71 South, I 470 East, US 50 East: Joplin, Lee's Summit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 71
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South, I 470 East, US...
8
16.6 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 49, I 470, US 50 East, US 71 South: Joplin, Lee's Summit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 49, I 470, US 50 East, US 71 South: Jo...
7
16.8 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
6
146.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 42m in
Take the exit toward MO 571 South, MO 96, I 49 Business, MO 171 North: Webb City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 53
Toward MO 571 South, MO 96, I 49 Business, MO 1...
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Independence, MO to Anderson, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Lee's Summit along the way.
Lee's Summit
16 mi in
|
~21m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 49 | 129.8 mi | 2h 19m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 8.9 mi | 9m |
| Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway | 8.3 mi | 9m |
| Edward F. Dixon III Memorial Highway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| Governor Warren E Hearnes Memorial Highway | 6.2 mi | 6m |
| Special Agent Tom Crowell Memorial Highway | 6 mi | 6m |
| James B. Tatum Highway | 5.8 mi | 6m |
| US 71 Business | 4.9 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 49
— 129.8 mi, about 2h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Independence, MO and Anderson, 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
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
South Noland Road
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 70 West: Kansas City
6
Continue on I 70
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
7
Continue on I 70
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
George Brett Super Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 8A
Toward I 435 South: Wichita
Use the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto I 435
8.3 mi
·
9 min
·
Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
45 sec
Exit 71
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South, I 470 East, US 50 East: Joplin, Lee's Summit
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
Toward I 49, I 470, US 50 East, US 71 South: Joplin, Lee's Summit
Use the slight left lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
13
Merge onto I 49; US 71
130 mi
·
2 hr 19 min
·
I 49; US 71
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 53
Toward MO 571 South, MO 96, I 49 Business, MO 171 North: Webb City
15
Turn right onto I 49 Business; MO 96; MO 171
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Edward F. Dixon III Memorial Highway
16
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 249
6.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Governor Warren E Hearnes Memorial Highway
Toward MO 249 South: Joplin
17
Continue on I 49; US 71
8.9 mi
·
9 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
18
Continue on I 49; US 71
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Special Agent Tom Crowell Memorial Highway
19
Continue on I 49; US 71
5.8 mi
·
6 min
·
James B. Tatum Highway
20
Continue on I 49; US 71
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Corporal Bobbie J. Harper Memorial Highway
21
Take the exit onto US 71 Business
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
US 71 Business
Exit 16
Toward MO 59, US 71 Business: Goodman, Anderson
22
Continue on US 71 Business; MO 59
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
US 71 Business; MO 59
23
Turn right onto MO 59; MO 76
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
North State Highway 59
24
Turn left onto Jefferson Street
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
Jefferson Street
25
Arrive at destination
East Street
Trip Plan
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 94.3 miles from Independence, MO, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.8 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 80 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.3 miles or 1h 45m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Anderson, 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 188.7 miles and 3h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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 I 49 for about 129.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 94.3 mi from Independence, MO · 1h 45m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
94 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 94.3 miles from Independence, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 49 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 129.8 miles.
Arriving in Anderson, MO
The final approach into Anderson, 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 Anderson, MO.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.66 one way
$57.32 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
66 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $31.60 | $63.19 |
| premium | $4.80 | $35.62 | $71.25 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $41.92 | $83.85 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 56.6 | 0 | $19.81 | $9.06 |
| Efficient EV | 47.2 | 0 | $16.51 | $7.55 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 75.5 | 0 | $26.42 | $12.08 |
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 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.
Destination
Anderson, MO
Morning in Anderson on Monday
Local time
10:55 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
54°F
Nevada, MO
94 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
33 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
3h 29m 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 Independence, MO to Anderson, MO covers 188.7 miles and takes about 3h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 49, Purple Heart Trail, Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 94.3 miles from Independence, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.66 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 15 significant decision points across 188.7 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 7.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 16 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Independence, MO to Anderson, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Lee's Summit along the way.
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