How far is La Plata, MO from Independence, MO?
The driving distance from La Plata, MO to Independence, MO is about 164.7 miles (265.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 121 miles (194.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 31m 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 45m.
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 Livingston County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Plata and Independence.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Plata and Independence.
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1
Start on East Moore Street
6 m · 6 sec · East Moore Street
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2
Turn left onto South Gex Street
844 ft · 42 sec · South Gex Street
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3
Turn left onto East Clark Street
1.1 km · 1 min · East Clark Street
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4
Turn right
18.9 mi · 22 min
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5
Take the exit right toward US 36 West, MO 110 West: Saint Joseph
875 ft · 12 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
95.6 mi · 1 hr 51 min · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
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7
Turn left onto I 35 South, MO 110 West: Kansas City
33.8 mi · 36 min
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8
Take the exit slight right
1759 ft · 46 sec
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto Plattsburg Road
552 ft · 11 sec · Plattsburg Road
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10
Continue on Lightborne Road
820 ft · 16 sec · Lightborne Road
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11
Continue on Lightburne Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · Lightburne Street
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12
Continue on South Leonard Street
1 km · 2 min · South Leonard Street
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13
Take the ramp left
45 m · 3 sec
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14
Merge slight right
8.3 mi · 12 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward US 24
919 ft · 25 sec
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16
Keep slight right to continue on US 24
65 m · 6 sec
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17
Turn slight right
2 mi · 5 min
-
18
Turn left onto North Noland Road
1 km · 1 min · North Noland Road
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19
Turn right onto East Lexington Avenue
835 ft · 28 sec · East Lexington Avenue
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20
Turn left onto South Lynn Street
124 m · 20 sec · South Lynn Street
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21
Turn right onto East Kansas Avenue
44 m · 6 sec · East Kansas Avenue
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Kansas Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Plata and Independence.
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
Merge slight left onto Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
95.6 mi · 01h 51m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving La Plata and Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Independence.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Plata to Independence?
The road trip is about 164.7 miles (265.1 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Utica is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.3 miles from La Plata and 82.5 miles from Independence.
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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:58 PM 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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around La Plata and Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Independence.
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 La Plata and Independence. Straight-line distance: 121.04 mi (194.8 km).
#1 La Plata
City in Macon County, Missouri
| Population | 1,303 |
| Coordinates | 40.0233700, -92.4915800 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Independence
A city in Jackson County, Missouri.
| Population | 116,774 |
| Coordinates | 39.0911200, -94.4155100 |
| Altitude | 315 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Kansas Avenue (-94.415514, 39.091027)
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 07m |
| 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.