How far is University City, MO from East Independence, MO?
The driving distance from University City, MO to East Independence, MO is about 235.6 miles (379.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 219.7 miles (353.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 23m 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 41m.
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.
The most populous city in the state of Missouri.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between University City and East Independence.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between University City and East Independence.
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1
Start on Kingsland Avenue
53 m · 15 sec · Kingsland Avenue
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2
Continue on Kingsland Avenue
2570 ft · 1 min · Kingsland Avenue
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3
Turn left onto Olive Boulevard
1.2 mi · 2 min · Olive Boulevard
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4
Turn right onto Midland Boulevard
3076 ft · 1 min · Midland Boulevard
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5
Turn slight right onto North Hanley Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · North Hanley Road
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6
Turn left onto Saint Charles Rock Road
1.1 km · 1 min · Saint Charles Rock Road
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7
Take the ramp slight right toward I 170 North
1417 ft · 21 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Inner Belt Expressway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Inner Belt Expressway
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9
Take the exit slight left toward I 70 West: Kansas City
2159 ft · 37 sec
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10
Merge slight right
221.6 mi · 4 hr 12 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Little Blue Parkway, 39th Street, Mall Entrance
1652 ft · 40 sec
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12
Turn right onto South Little Blue Parkway
1.6 mi · 3 min · South Little Blue Parkway
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13
Turn left onto East R.D. Mize Road
1301 ft · 38 sec · East R.D. Mize Road
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14
Turn right onto South Jackson Drive
1.2 mi · 2 min · South Jackson Drive
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15
Turn straight onto Holke Road
1.4 km · 2 min · Holke Road
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16
Turn left onto East Truman Road
1.1 km · 1 min · East Truman Road
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17
Turn right onto Main Road
1341 ft · 1 min · Main Road
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18
Turn right onto East 9th Street South
24 m · 3 sec · East 9th Street South
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 9th Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between University City and East 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 70 West
Merge slight right
222 mi · 04h 12m
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.
Sunny leaving University City and Sunny near East Independence.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from University City to East Independence?
The road trip is about 235.6 miles (379.1 km) and usually takes 03h 41m 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?
Columbia is a useful midpoint, sitting about 116.4 miles from University City and 119.2 miles from East Independence.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 219.7 miles (353.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.9 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 9:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.34 one way or $62.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 73.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around University City and Sunny near East Independence.
Stop Ideas Near Columbia
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 Columbia.
Jefferson City
Sedalia
Hermann
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between University City and East Independence. Straight-line distance: 219.72 mi (353.61 km).
#1 University City
Suburb in St.
| Population | 34,165 |
| Coordinates | 38.6558800, -90.3092800 |
| Altitude | 161 |
| Country | United States |
#2 East Independence
A census-designated place in Jackson County, Missouri.
| Population | 110,675 |
| Coordinates | 39.0955600, -94.3552300 |
| Altitude | 256 |
| Country | United States |
End: East 9th Street South (-94.355237, 39.09539)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 379 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $31.34 | $62.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $35.34 | $70.68 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $38.67 | $77.35 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $44.08 | $88.15 |
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 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.