How far is Independence, MO from Tarkio, MO?
The driving distance from Independence, MO to Tarkio, MO is about 127.9 miles (205.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.3 miles (171.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 05m 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 32m.
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.
The most populous city in Buchanan County, Missouri.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Independence and Tarkio.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Independence and Tarkio.
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1
Start on East Kansas Avenue
19 m · 5 sec · East Kansas Avenue
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2
Turn right onto South Main Street
1003 ft · 49 sec · South Main Street
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3
Turn left onto West Truman Road
3.9 mi · 9 min · West Truman Road
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4
Take the ramp right toward I 435 North, US 24 East: Claycomo, Des Moines
753 ft · 18 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
6.2 mi · 7 min · Lamar Hunt Memorial Highway
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6
Continue on I435 N
1.3 mi · 1 min · I435 N
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7
Continue straight
20.9 mi · 22 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 North, US 71 North: Saint Joseph
37.1 mi · 40 min
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9
Continue straight
38 mi · 41 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 59: Craig, Fairfax
1577 ft · 29 sec
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11
Turn left
12 mi · 18 min
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12
Turn right onto US Highway 59
5.8 mi · 9 min · US Highway 59
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13
Continue straight
1.4 mi · 2 min
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14
Turn right onto Walnut Street
2617 ft · 50 sec · Walnut Street
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15
Turn left onto South 3rd Street
998 ft · 46 sec · South 3rd Street
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16
Turn right onto Main Street
48 m · 7 sec · Main Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Independence and Tarkio.
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 29 North
Continue straight
38 mi · 00h 41m
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.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Independence and Mostly Sunny near Tarkio.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Independence to Tarkio?
The road trip is about 127.9 miles (205.9 km) and usually takes 02h 32m 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?
Saint Joseph is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63.9 miles from Independence and 63.9 miles from Tarkio.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 106.3 miles (171.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.6 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 1:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.01 one way or $34.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Independence and Mostly Sunny near Tarkio.
Stop Ideas Near Saint Joseph
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 Saint Joseph.
Union Station
Independence
Lawrence
Lee's Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Independence and Tarkio. Straight-line distance: 106.3 mi (171.08 km).
#1 Independence
A city in Jackson County, Missouri.
| Population | 116,774 |
| Coordinates | 39.0911200, -94.4155100 |
| Altitude | 315 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Tarkio
City in Missouri
| Population | 1,420 |
| Coordinates | 40.4402800, -95.3777600 |
| Altitude | 283 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tarkio (-95.37776, 40.44028)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 206 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.01 | $34.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.18 | $38.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.99 | $41.98 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.92 | $47.84 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.