How far is Independence, MO from La Plata, MO?
The driving distance from Independence, MO to La Plata, MO is about 164.7 miles (265 km), with a travel time of about 03h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 121 miles (194.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 36m 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 03h 18m.
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.
Human settlement in Livingston County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Independence and La Plata.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Independence and La Plata.
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1
Start on East Kansas Avenue
44 m · 12 sec · East Kansas Avenue
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2
Turn left onto South Lynn Street
124 m · 20 sec · South Lynn Street
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3
Turn right onto East Lexington Avenue
835 ft · 28 sec · East Lexington Avenue
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4
Turn left onto North Noland Road
1 km · 2 min · North Noland Road
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5
Turn right onto West US Highway 24
2.1 mi · 5 min · West US Highway 24
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6
Turn left onto MO 291 North: Liberty
961 ft · 29 sec
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7
Merge slight left
8.3 mi · 12 min
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8
Turn slight right
125 m · 8 sec
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9
Turn slight right onto South Leonard Street
3174 ft · 2 min · South Leonard Street
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10
Continue on Lightburne Street
2.8 mi · 5 min · Lightburne Street
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11
Take the ramp slight right
1858 ft · 45 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
33.7 mi · 36 min · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 36, MO 110 East, I 35 Business: Cameron, Hamilton
1213 ft · 33 sec
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14
Turn right onto Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
95.4 mi · 1 hr 50 min · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Kirksville, Macon
924 ft · 27 sec
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16
Turn left onto North Missouri Street
19 mi · 22 min · North Missouri Street
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17
Take the exit left
31 m · 5 sec
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18
Turn left onto East Clark Street
1.1 km · 1 min · East Clark Street
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19
Turn right onto South Gex Street
844 ft · 39 sec · South Gex Street
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20
Turn right onto East Moore Street
6 m · 1 sec · East Moore Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Moore Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Independence and La Plata.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
Turn right onto Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
95.4 mi · 01h 50m
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 then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Independence and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near La Plata.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Independence to La Plata?
The road trip is about 164.7 miles (265 km) and usually takes 03h 18m 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?
Utica is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.3 miles from Independence and 82.4 miles from La Plata.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 121 miles (194.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 43.7 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 10:24 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.91 one way or $43.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Independence and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near La Plata.
Stop Ideas Near Utica
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 Utica.
Independence
La Plata
Warrensburg
Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Independence and La Plata. Straight-line distance: 121.04 mi (194.8 km).
#1 Independence
A city in Jackson County, Missouri.
| Population | 116,774 |
| Coordinates | 39.0911200, -94.4155100 |
| Altitude | 315 |
| Country | United States |
#2 La Plata
City in Macon County, Missouri
| Population | 1,303 |
| Coordinates | 40.0233700, -92.4915800 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
End: La Plata (-92.49158, 40.02337)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 265 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.91 | $43.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.71 | $49.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.04 | $54.08 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.82 | $61.63 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.