How far is East Independence, MO from Carthage, MO?
The driving distance from East Independence, MO to Carthage, MO is about 139.2 miles (224.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 132.6 miles (213.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 35m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 47m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Missouri
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between East Independence and Carthage.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Independence and Carthage.
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1
Start on East 9th Street South
24 m · 9 sec · East 9th Street South
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2
Turn left onto Main Road
1341 ft · 1 min · Main Road
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3
Turn right onto East Truman Road
1.4 mi · 3 min · East Truman Road
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward MO 291 South: Lee's Summit
1589 ft · 43 sec
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5
Merge slight left
10 mi · 13 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on MO 291 South: Harrisonville
3.3 mi · 6 min
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7
Take the ramp right toward US 50 West, MO 291 South: Kansas City
2959 ft · 54 sec
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8
Take the exit slight right toward MO 291 South: Jefferson Street, Harrisonville
767 ft · 19 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on MO 291 South: Harrisonville
16.9 mi · 25 min
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10
Continue on Cantrell Road
629 ft · 19 sec · Cantrell Road
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11
Take the exit straight toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
1138 ft · 28 sec
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12
Merge slight left
103.1 mi · 1 hr 50 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward MO V, MO D: Alba
1611 ft · 30 sec
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14
Turn left onto North Garrison Avenue
2.3 mi · 5 min · North Garrison Avenue
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15
Turn left onto West 4th Street
1248 ft · 1 min · West 4th Street
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16
Turn left onto South Grant Street
46 m · 4 sec · South Grant Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Grant Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between East Independence and Carthage.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 49 South
Merge slight left
103 mi · 01h 50m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving East Independence and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carthage.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from East Independence to Carthage?
The road trip is about 139.2 miles (224.1 km) and usually takes 02h 47m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Rich Hill is a useful midpoint, sitting about 69.7 miles from East Independence and 69.5 miles from Carthage.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 132.6 miles (213.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.6 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.52 one way or $37.03 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around East Independence and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carthage.
Stop Ideas Near Rich Hill
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Rich Hill.
Lee's Summit
Warrensburg
Independence
Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between East Independence and Carthage. Straight-line distance: 132.62 mi (213.43 km).
#1 East Independence
A census-designated place in Jackson County, Missouri.
| Population | 110,675 |
| Coordinates | 39.0955600, -94.3552300 |
| Altitude | 256 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Carthage
City in Missouri
| Population | 14,732 |
| Coordinates | 37.1764500, -94.3102200 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carthage (-94.31022, 37.17645)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 224 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.52 | $37.03 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.88 | $41.76 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.85 | $45.70 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.04 | $52.09 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Missouri · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.