Trip from Independence, MO to Malden, MO

Drive Time

7h 52m

Distance

411.2 mi

662 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$62

one way

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Independence, MO

Ever Rayan

Malden, MO

ShotPot

Trip Overview

Traveling from Independence to Malden covers 411.2 miles across the heart of Missouri. You should plan for a total travel time of 7 hours and 52 minutes, making this a long but manageable single-day commitment for most drivers. With an estimated fuel cost of $62, it is a straightforward trip that keeps you within the Midwest region for the entire journey. While the drive is feasible in one day, its length means you will spend the vast majority of your time behind the wheel. Expect to make at least two planned stops to keep your energy levels up during this nearly eight-hour trek. This route is best suited for those who prefer steady, purposeful driving over frequent sightseeing detours.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

205.6 miles from Independence, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 54m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip features a unique mix of road types, characterized primarily as a turn-heavy local drive rather than a simple interstate cruise. Only 12% of your journey will be spent on major highways, so prepare for more frequent navigation changes than you might find on a typical cross-country route. You will spend time on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, the Police Officer Steven Jarvis Memorial Highway, and the U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs early on, covering 135.3 miles along the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. As you progress, the road environment shifts, requiring you to stay alert through the varied local transitions that define this 411.2-mile path.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 135.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near South Noland Road.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 411.2 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 0.2 miles (South Noland Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 226.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 20 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | South Noland Road

Turn right onto South Noland Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

3.3 mi into trip | ~6m in

Turn left toward I 70 East: Columbia, Saint Louis

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 70 East: Columbia, Saint Louis

226.2 mi into trip | ~4h 19m in

Take the exit toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis

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 25 Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis

226.5 mi into trip | ~4h 19m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 270 South: Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 270 South: Memphis

238.3 mi into trip | ~4h 34m in

Take the exit toward I 55, US 61, US 67: Saint Louis, Memphis, Lemay Ferry Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 1A Toward I 55, US 61, US 67: Saint Louis, Memphis...

Towns Along This Route

Between Independence, MO and Malden, MO, road signs point toward Memphis and Poplar Bluff.

Memphis

226.2 mi in | ~4h 19m

Poplar Bluff

369.1 mi in | ~6h 55m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway	135.3 mi	2h 34m
Police Officer Steven Jarvis Memorial Highway	126.7 mi	2h 15m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway	54.4 mi	58m
Avenue of the Saints	25.1 mi	30m
US 60	22.6 mi	26m
US 60 Business	16.3 mi	24m
I 270	11.5 mi	14m
South Noland Road	3.1 mi	5m

Longest stretch: Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway — 135.3 mi, about 2h 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Independence, MO and Malden, MO.

Start on East Kansas Avenue

145 ft · 8 sec · East Kansas Avenue

Turn right onto South Lynn Street

394 ft · 22 sec · South Lynn Street

Turn left onto East Walnut Street

466 ft · 25 sec · East Walnut Street

Turn right onto South Noland Road

3.1 mi · 5 min · South Noland Road

Use the none lane.

Turn left

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward I 70 East: Columbia, Saint Louis

Merge onto I 70

1.5 mi · 1 min · Clifton J. Scott Memorial Highway

Continue on I 70

2.6 mi · 3 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 70

53 mi · 56 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 70; US 40

32 mi · 34 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 70

22 mi · 24 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.8 mi · 2 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.6 mi · 1 min · Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.9 mi · 2 min · Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

81 mi · 1 hr 35 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Take the exit onto US 40

0.3 mi · 33 sec · US 40

Exit 210A Toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Chesterfield

Merge onto I 64; US 40; US 61

25 mi · 30 min · Avenue of the Saints

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Exit 25 Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 31 sec

Toward I 270 South: Memphis Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 270

11 mi · 14 min · I 270

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 27 sec

Exit 1A Toward I 55, US 61, US 67: Saint Louis, Memphis, Lemay Ferry Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 43 sec

Toward I 55 South: Memphis

Merge onto I 55

1.5 mi · 1 min · Rosa Parks Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 55

1.8 mi · 2 min · Officer Thomas G. Smith, Jr. Memorial Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 55

127 mi · 2 hr 15 min · Police Officer Steven Jarvis Memorial Highway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 66B Toward US 60 West: Dexter, Poplar Bluff

Merge onto US 60

23 mi · 26 min · US 60

Take the exit onto US 60 Business

0.3 mi · 40 sec · US 60 Business

Toward MO 25, US 60 Business: Dexter, Bloomfield

Turn left onto US 60 Business; MO 25

16 mi · 23 min · US 60 Business; MO 25

Continue on MO 25 Business

2.3 mi · 4 min · North Douglas Street

Turn left onto MO 25 Business

0.2 mi · 28 sec · West Main Street

Turn right onto MO 25 Business

442 ft · 10 sec · South Madison Street

Turn right onto West Laclede Street

63 ft · 2 sec · West Laclede Street

Arrive at destination

West Laclede Street

Trip Plan

To tackle this 7-hour and 52-minute drive effectively, try to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight hours. Since the route is turn-heavy, keeping your navigation system updated and accessible is essential for staying on track. Plan your two required stops strategically to avoid fatigue, especially during the longer stretches on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. Given the $62 fuel budget, check your tire pressure and fluid levels before you leave Independence to ensure optimal efficiency for the full 411.2-mile distance. Because this is a long, singular day of driving, having your snacks and refreshments ready in the car will save you valuable time during those two necessary breaks.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 205.6 miles from Independence, MO, or about 3h 54m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 135.3 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 90 miles or 1h 39m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 205.6 miles or 3h 54m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 36m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Malden, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Independence, MO

This is one driving day of about 411.2 miles and 7h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 90 miles from Independence, MO.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 135.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 205.6 mi from Independence, MO · 3h 54m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

East Saint Louis, IL

206 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

Quincy, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 90 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Alton, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 205.6 miles from Independence, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 135.3 miles.

Arriving in Malden, MO

The final approach into Malden, 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 Malden, 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

$62.46 one way

$124.91 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 144 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$68.85	$137.70
premium	$4.80	$77.63	$155.25
diesel	$5.64	$91.35	$182.71

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$62

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$87–$112

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 143.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	123.4	1	$43.18	$19.74
Efficient EV	102.8	1	$35.98	$16.45
EV Truck/SUV	164.5	2	$57.57	$26.32

Gas CO2

144 kg

EV CO2

48 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Independence, MO

Afternoon in Independence on Sunday

Local time

2:22 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Malden, MO

Afternoon in Malden on Sunday

Local time

2:22 PM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

14 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

7h 52m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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 Malden, MO covers 411.2 miles and takes about 7h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, Police Officer Steven Jarvis Memorial Highway, U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 205.6 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 $62.46 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Independence, MO and Malden, MO, road signs point toward Memphis and Poplar Bluff.

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Return Trip

Malden, MO to Independence, MO

Plan the drive back the other way.

412 mi 7h 54m

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Trip from Independence, MO to Malden, MO

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Malden, MO

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Independence, MO

Malden, MO

Same local time

14 degrees warmer at arrival

7h 52m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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