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Trip from Kansas City, MO to Battlefield, MO

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

3h 27m

Distance

173.4 mi

279 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 16m ★
6 AM
3h 28m
8 AM
3h 52m
10 AM
3h 36m
12 PM
3h 34m
3 PM
3h 38m
5 PM
3h 51m
8 PM
3h 20m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Missouri, United States, that is one of two county seats of Jackson County and the largest city in Missouri

Kansas City, MO

Wikimedia Commons

location of a battle

Battlefield, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 173.4-mile journey from Kansas City, MO, to Battlefield, MO, is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in about 3 hours and 27 minutes. With 75% of the route on highways, it's an efficient trip, making it an ideal one-day excursion. You'll be traveling within the Midwest region for the entire duration. Budget around $27 for fuel, and plan for one stop along the way to break up the drive. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 67.9 miles, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs.

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

86.7 miles from Kansas City, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 42m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 27m. Total distance: 173.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 75% of your travel occurring on main roads like MO 13 and MO 7. The drive features a significant 67.9-mile stretch on MO 13, offering a consistent pace. While the profile is highway-centric, the inclusion of Bruce R. Watkins Drive suggests some urban or suburban access roads at the beginning. This isn't a winding, scenic byway, but rather a practical and efficient path designed for steady progress.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 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 67.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 13 and MO 7. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East 12th Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 173.4 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (East 12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Campbell Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

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

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | East 12th Street

Turn right onto East 12th Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in | Campbell Street

Turn right onto Campbell Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.8 mi into trip | ~2m in | US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive

Merge onto US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
38.1 mi into trip | ~46m in | MO 7

Take the exit onto MO 7 toward MO 7 South: Clinton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 157 Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
6
163.7 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in

Take the exit toward US 160: West Bypass, Willard

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

Exit 75 Toward US 160: West Bypass, Willard

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 Kansas City, MO to Battlefield, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Willard along the way.

Willard

163.7 mi in | ~3h 11m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
MO 13 67.9 mi 1h 18m
MO 7 55.6 mi 1h 4m
Bruce R. Watkins Drive 37.3 mi 44m
US 160 6.9 mi 11m
MO FF 2.5 mi 3m
Payne Stewart Highway 1.8 mi 2m
Charlotte Street 0.3 mi <1m
East 12th Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: MO 13 — 67.9 mi, about 1h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kansas City, MO and Battlefield, MO.

1

Start on Oak Street

20 ft · 4 sec · Oak Street
2

Turn right onto East 12th Street

0.2 mi · 42 sec · East 12th Street
3

Turn right onto Charlotte Street

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Charlotte Street
4

Turn left onto East Truman Road

395 ft · 11 sec · East Truman Road
5

Turn right onto Campbell Street

68 ft · 1 sec · Campbell Street
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward US 71 South: Joplin
7

Merge onto US 71

37 mi · 44 min · Bruce R. Watkins Drive
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit onto MO 7

0.2 mi · 19 sec · MO 7
Exit 157 Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
9

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.
10

Continue on MO 13

68 mi · 1 hr 18 min · MO 13
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward I 44 West: Joplin
12

Merge onto I 44

1.8 mi · 2 min · Payne Stewart Highway
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 75 Toward US 160: West Bypass, Willard
14

Turn left onto US 160

6.9 mi · 11 min · US 160
15

Continue on MO FF

2.5 mi · 3 min · MO FF
16

Turn left onto 182

68 ft · 1 sec · West 3rd Street
17

Arrive at destination

182

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour, 27-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip from Kansas City to Battlefield. You can easily depart in the morning and arrive by early afternoon. With a fuel cost estimated at $27 and only one recommended stop, flexibility is key. Consider leaving early to maximize your time at your destination. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longest 67.9-mile stretch on MO 13, to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted journey.

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 86.7 miles from Kansas City, MO, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.9 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 38 miles or 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 86.7 miles or 1h 42m 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 Battlefield, MO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO

This is one driving day of about 173.4 miles and 3h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Kansas City, 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 67.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 86.7 mi from Kansas City, MO · 1h 42m into the drive

city in and county seat of Johnson County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Warrensburg, MO

87 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

Garden City, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Warsaw, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.7 miles from Kansas City, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before MO 13 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.9 miles.

Arriving in Battlefield, MO

The final approach into Battlefield, 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 Battlefield, 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

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 173.4
Caution: BE AWARE OF HIGH-WATER DANGER
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.11 one way

$54.22 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $29.76 $59.53
premium $4.89 $33.37 $66.74
diesel $5.61 $38.28 $76.57

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: 60.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 52 0 $18.21 $8.32
Efficient EV 43.4 0 $15.17 $6.94
EV Truck/SUV 69.4 0 $24.28 $11.10

Gas CO2

61 kg

EV CO2

20 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Kansas City, MO

Afternoon in Kansas City on Thursday

Local time

12:34 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Battlefield, MO

Afternoon in Battlefield on Thursday

Local time

12:34 PM

CDT

Current temp

75°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

1 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 27m 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 Kansas City, MO to Battlefield, MO covers 173.4 miles and takes about 3h 27m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are MO 13, MO 7, Bruce R. Watkins Drive. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 86.7 miles from Kansas City, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.11 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 173.4 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (East 12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Campbell Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (US 71 / Bruce R. Watkins Drive): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Kansas City, MO to Battlefield, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Willard along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.

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