Origin
Independence, MO
Morning in Independence on Saturday
Local time
11:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Independence, MO to Carterville, MO
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 51m
Distance
153.8 mi
247 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 40m
★
6 AM
2h 51m
8 AM
3h 13m
10 AM
2h 59m
12 PM
2h 57m
3 PM
3h 0m
5 PM
3h 12m
8 PM
2h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Independence, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Independence, MO to Carterville, MO covers 153.8 miles and takes about 2h 51m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 49, Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway, Edward F. Dixon III 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 $24.04 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
76.9 miles from Independence, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 51m. Total distance: 153.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 2h 51m highway drive covering 153.8 miles, with most of the trip on I 49 and Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway. 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 18 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 Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 153.8 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 13 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 Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Independence, MO to Carterville, 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 |
| Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway | 8.3 mi | 9m |
| Edward F. Dixon III Memorial Highway | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| South Noland Road | 3 mi | 4m |
| Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| George Brett Super Highway | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| West Main Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| East Walnut Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 49
— 129.8 mi, about 2h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Independence, MO and Carterville, 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
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Edward F. Dixon III Memorial Highway
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward MO HH: Carterville
17
Turn right onto West Main Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
18
Arrive at destination
US Historic 66
Trip Plan
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.9 miles from Independence, MO, or about 1h 27m 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 34 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.9 miles or 1h 27m 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 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Carterville, 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 153.8 miles and 2h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 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 76.9 mi from Independence, MO · 1h 27m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
77 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 76.9 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 Carterville, MO
The final approach into Carterville, 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 Carterville, 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
$24.04 one way
$48.09 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.40 | $52.80 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.60 | $59.19 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $33.96 | $67.91 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.1 | 0 | $16.15 | $7.38 |
| Efficient EV | 38.5 | 0 | $13.46 | $6.15 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61.5 | 0 | $21.53 | $9.84 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Carterville, MO
Morning in Carterville on Saturday
Local time
11:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
73°F
Nevada, MO
77 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
16 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
2h 51m 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 Carterville, MO covers 153.8 miles and takes about 2h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 49, Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway, Edward F. Dixon III 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 76.9 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 $24.04 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 13 significant decision points across 153.8 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 Carterville, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Lee's Summit along the way.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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