How far is East Independence, MO from West Plains, MO?
The driving distance from East Independence, MO to West Plains, MO is about 274 miles (441 km), with a travel time of about 05h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 213 miles (342.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 11m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 05h 35m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
State of Venezuela
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between East Independence and West Plains.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Independence and West Plains.
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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
-
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
2.8 mi · 3 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward MO 7 South: Clinton
924 ft · 20 sec
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14
Turn slight left onto MO 7 South: Clinton
55.5 mi · 1 hr 4 min
-
15
Continue straight
68 mi · 1 hr 19 min
-
16
Take the exit slight left toward I 44 East: Rolla, Saint Louis
954 ft · 23 sec
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17
Merge slight left onto Payne Stewart Highway
4.3 mi · 5 min · Payne Stewart Highway
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18
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 South: Branson
2343 ft · 50 sec
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19
Merge slight left onto Schoolcraft Freeway
8.3 mi · 10 min · Schoolcraft Freeway
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20
Take the exit slight right toward US 60 East: Cabool
1228 ft · 53 sec
-
21
Merge slight left
82.2 mi · 1 hr 36 min
-
22
Keep slight right to continue on US 63 South: West Plains, Thayer
16.6 mi · 20 min
-
23
Turn left onto Gibson Street
1307 ft · 22 sec · Gibson Street
-
24
Turn straight
53 m · 6 sec
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25
Turn slight right onto Porter Wagoner Boulevard
1.1 mi · 3 min · Porter Wagoner Boulevard
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26
Continue on West Main Street
2854 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
-
27
Turn right onto Court Square
117 m · 11 sec · Court Square
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28
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Court Square
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between East Independence and West Plains.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
US 60 East
Merge slight left
82.2 mi · 01h 36m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving East Independence and Mostly Sunny near West Plains.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from East Independence to West Plains?
The road trip is about 274 miles (441 km) and usually takes 05h 35m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Bolivar is a useful midpoint, sitting about 137 miles from East Independence and 137 miles from West Plains.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 213 miles (342.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 61 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 5:48 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.47 one way or $72.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 85.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around East Independence and Mostly Sunny near West Plains.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between East Independence and West Plains. Straight-line distance: 212.99 mi (342.77 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 West Plains
City in Missouri, United States
| Population | 12,383 |
| Coordinates | 36.7281200, -91.8523700 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Plains (-91.85237, 36.72812)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 441 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $36.47 | $72.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.13 | $82.25 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $45.00 | $90.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $51.29 | $102.58 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.