How far is Tarkio, MO from Independence, MO?
The driving distance from Tarkio, MO to Independence, MO is about 128.4 miles (206.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.3 miles (171.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 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 02h 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.
The most populous city in Buchanan County, Missouri.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tarkio and Independence.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tarkio and Independence.
-
1
Start on Main Street
48 m · 12 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn left onto South 3rd Street
998 ft · 46 sec · South 3rd Street
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3
Turn right onto Walnut Street
2617 ft · 52 sec · Walnut Street
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto South 10th Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · South 10th Street
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5
Turn left
5.8 mi · 9 min
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6
Turn left onto East Main Street
11.8 mi · 17 min · East Main Street
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7
Take the ramp right toward I 29 South: Saint Joseph
2074 ft · 51 sec
-
8
Merge slight right
75.1 mi · 1 hr 21 min
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9
Merge slight right
2.2 mi · 2 min
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on I 435 East: Saint Louis
25.8 mi · 28 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward MO 12 East: 12th Street, Truman Road
2227 ft · 50 sec
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12
Turn left onto East Truman Road
4 mi · 9 min · East Truman Road
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13
Turn right onto North Main Street
1003 ft · 49 sec · North Main Street
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14
Turn left onto East Kansas Avenue
19 m · 3 sec · East Kansas Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Kansas Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tarkio 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.
I 29 South
Merge slight right
75.1 mi · 01h 21m
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 leaving Tarkio and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Independence.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tarkio to Independence?
The road trip is about 128.4 miles (206.7 km) and usually takes 02h 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?
Saint Joseph is a useful midpoint, sitting about 64 miles from Tarkio and 64.4 miles from Independence.
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 22.1 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 2:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.08 one way or $34.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Tarkio and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Independence.
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 Tarkio and Independence. Straight-line distance: 106.3 mi (171.08 km).
#1 Tarkio
City in Missouri
| Population | 1,420 |
| Coordinates | 40.4402800, -95.3777600 |
| Altitude | 283 |
| 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: 207 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.08 | $34.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.27 | $38.53 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.08 | $42.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.03 | $48.05 |
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.