How far is Independence, MO from Taos, MO?
The driving distance from Independence, MO to Taos, MO is about 52.7 miles (84.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 40.4 miles (65 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 17m 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 01h 08m.
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.
Human settlement in Platte County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Independence and Taos.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Independence and Taos.
-
1
Start on East Kansas Avenue
19 m · 5 sec · East Kansas Avenue
-
2
Turn right onto South Main Street
1003 ft · 49 sec · South Main Street
-
3
Turn left onto West Truman Road
3.9 mi · 9 min · West Truman Road
-
4
Take the ramp right toward I 435 North, US 24 East: Claycomo, Des Moines
753 ft · 18 sec
-
5
Merge slight left onto Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
6.2 mi · 7 min · Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
-
6
Continue on I435 N
1.3 mi · 1 min · I435 N
-
7
Continue straight
20.9 mi · 22 min
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
13 mi · 14 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward MO H, MO Z: New Market, Dearborn
851 ft · 21 sec
-
10
Turn left onto MO H, MO Z: New Market, Dearborn
28 m · 6 sec
-
11
Turn left
1.3 km · 1 min
-
12
At the end of the road, turn right onto 371 Highway
3.1 mi · 6 min · 371 Highway
-
13
Turn left onto Southeast 116 Highway
1.5 mi · 3 min · Southeast 116 Highway
-
14
Turn right
1.5 mi · 4 min
-
15
Turn right onto Southeast Taos Road
5 m · 1 sec · Southeast Taos Road
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southeast Taos Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Independence and Taos.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I435 N
Continue straight
20.9 mi · 00h 22m
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 Independence and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Taos.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Independence to Taos?
The road trip is about 52.7 miles (84.8 km) and usually takes 01h 08m 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?
Ferrelview is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.3 miles from Independence and 26.3 miles from Taos.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 40.4 miles (65 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.3 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 4:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.01 one way or $14.03 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Independence and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Taos.
Stop Ideas Near Ferrelview
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Overlook at Quality Hill
Parkville City Hall
Kansas City Power & Light District
Observation Deck at City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Ferrelview.
Union Station
Independence
Lee's Summit
Lawrence
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Independence and Taos. Straight-line distance: 40.4 mi (65.01 km).
#1 Independence
A city in Jackson County, Missouri.
| Population | 116,774 |
| Coordinates | 39.0911200, -94.4155100 |
| Altitude | 315 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Taos
City in Buchanan County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 1,157 |
| Coordinates | 39.5775000, -94.8349600 |
| Altitude | 326 |
| Country | United States |
End: Taos (-94.83496, 39.5775)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 85 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.01 | $14.03 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.91 | $15.82 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.66 | $17.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.87 | $19.73 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.