Origin
Independence, MO
Evening in Independence on Thursday
Local time
6:27 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Independence, MO to Forsyth, MO
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
4h 18m
Distance
217.1 mi
349 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 5m
★
6 AM
4h 19m
8 AM
4h 45m
10 AM
4h 28m
12 PM
4h 25m
3 PM
4h 29m
5 PM
4h 44m
8 PM
4h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Independence, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Forsyth, MO
Lena Khrupina
Trip Overview
This 217.1-mile drive from Independence, MO, to Forsyth, MO, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 18 minutes of pure driving time. You'll be spending about 84% of your journey on highways, primarily following MO 13, MO 7, and I-49. With an estimated fuel cost of $34, this route through the heart of the Midwest offers a straightforward path. Consider this a practical and efficient journey, perfect for those looking to get from point A to point B without extensive detours. It's a solid option for a day trip, allowing for a relaxed pace without needing an overnight stay.
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
108.6 miles from Independence, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 18m. Total distance: 217.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 84% of the 217.1 miles spent on faster roads like I-49 and MO 13. The longest continuous stretch without a major change in road type is 68 miles along MO 13, offering a substantial period of consistent travel. While largely highway, the route incorporates a mix of major interstates and state highways, providing a dynamic driving experience. This blend ensures a good balance between sustained speed and the occasional shift in scenery and road conditions as you progress south.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
MO 13 is the longest continuous segment at about 68 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 13 and MO 7. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near South Lynn Street.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 217.1 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: near the start (South Lynn Street): Navigation decision point; 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.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
South Lynn Street
Turn right onto South Lynn Street
Navigation decision point
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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Independence, MO and Forsyth, MO, road signs point toward Lee's Summit and Saint Louis.
Lee's Summit
16 mi in
|
~21m
Saint Louis
166.8 mi in
|
~3h 14m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MO 13 | 68 mi | 1h 19m |
| MO 7 | 55.6 mi | 1h 4m |
| I 49 | 26 mi | 28m |
| American Legion Memorial Highway | 12.1 mi | 13m |
| US Highway 65 | 12 mi | 13m |
| Schoolcraft Freeway | 10.7 mi | 13m |
| US 160 | 10.3 mi | 15m |
| Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway | 8.3 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
MO 13
— 68 mi, about 1h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Independence, MO and Forsyth, 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
26 mi
·
28 min
·
I 49; US 71
14
Take the exit onto MO 7
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
MO 7
Exit 157
Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
15
Turn slight left onto MO 7
55 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
MO 7
Exit 157
Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on MO 13
68 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
MO 13
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 44 East: Rolla, Saint Louis
18
Merge onto I 44
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Payne Stewart Highway
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 82A
Toward US 65 South: Branson
20
Merge onto US 65
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Schoolcraft Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on US 65
11 mi
·
12 min
·
American Legion Memorial Highway
22
Continue on US 65
12 mi
·
13 min
·
US Highway 65
23
Continue on US 65
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
American Legion Memorial Highway
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Toward US 160: Reed Springs Junction, Forsyth
25
Turn left onto US 160
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
US 160
26
Turn slight left onto US 160; MO 176
6.0 mi
·
9 min
·
US 160; MO 176
27
Turn slight right onto Rockhill Drive
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
Rockhill Drive
28
Arrive at destination
Rockhill Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 18-minute duration, departing Independence, MO, in the morning will allow you to reach Forsyth, MO, with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $34, this trip is budget-friendly and doesn't require extensive planning for refueling. The longest stretch on MO 13 is 68 miles, so plan a brief pause just before or after this segment to stretch your legs. This route is flexible, so you can adjust your departure time based on your preference, but aim to hit the highway sections like I-49 during less congested times if possible.
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 108.6 miles from Independence, MO, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68 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 48 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.6 miles or 2h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Forsyth, 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 217.1 miles and 4h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 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 MO 13 for about 68 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 108.6 mi from Independence, MO · 2h 7m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
109 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 108.6 miles from Independence, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before MO 13 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68 miles.
Arriving in Forsyth, MO
The final approach into Forsyth, 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 Forsyth, MO.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.94 one way
$67.88 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $37.27 | $74.53 |
| premium | $4.89 | $41.78 | $83.56 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $47.93 | $95.87 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.1 | 0 | $22.80 | $10.42 |
| Efficient EV | 54.3 | 0 | $19.00 | $8.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 86.8 | 1 | $30.39 | $13.89 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Destination
Forsyth, MO
Evening in Forsyth on Thursday
Local time
6:27 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
73°F
Warsaw, MO
109 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
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
4h 18m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Independence, MO to Forsyth, MO covers 217.1 miles and takes about 4h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are MO 13, MO 7, I 49. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 108.6 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 $33.94 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 217.1 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: near the start (South Lynn Street): Navigation decision point; 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.
Between Independence, MO and Forsyth, MO, road signs point toward Lee's Summit and Saint Louis.
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