How far is Willow Springs, MO from East Independence, MO?
The driving distance from Willow Springs, MO to East Independence, MO is about 253.3 miles (407.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 194.9 miles (313.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 09m 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 04h 04m.
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.
City in Polk County, Missouri, United States
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 Willow Springs and East Independence.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Willow Springs and East Independence.
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1
Start on East Main Street
2 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
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2
Take the ramp right
1522 ft · 37 sec
-
3
Merge slight left
76.6 mi · 1 hr 29 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward US 65 North: Sedalia
1511 ft · 32 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Schoolcraft Freeway
8.1 mi · 10 min · Schoolcraft Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 West: Joplin
1.3 km · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left onto Payne Stewart Highway
4.1 mi · 5 min · Payne Stewart Highway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward MO 13: Bolivar
596 ft · 15 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on MO 13: Bolivar
46 m · 4 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on MO 13 North: Bolivar
64 m · 7 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto North Kansas Expressway
87.2 mi · 1 hr 43 min · North Kansas Expressway
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12
Continue straight
35.9 mi · 39 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward I 49 North, US 71 North, MO 7 North: Kansas City
3.3 mi · 4 min
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
817 ft · 17 sec
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15
Keep slight right to continue on MO 291 North: Lee's Summit
74 m · 6 sec
-
16
Merge slight left
8.3 mi · 12 min
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17
Turn slight left
8.5 mi · 12 min
-
18
Take the exit slight right toward US 50 East, MO 291 North: Sedalia
2911 ft · 53 sec
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19
Take the exit slight right toward MO 291 North: Independence, Hamblen Road
1191 ft · 37 sec
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20
Turn left
91 m · 7 sec
-
21
Continue straight
13.3 mi · 19 min
-
22
Take the exit slight right toward East Truman Road
1459 ft · 45 sec
-
23
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Truman Road
1.2 mi · 3 min · East Truman Road
-
24
Turn left onto Main Road
1341 ft · 1 min · Main Road
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25
Turn right onto East 9th Street South
24 m · 3 sec · East 9th Street South
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26
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 9th Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Willow Springs 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.
North Kansas Expressway
Merge slight left onto North Kansas Expressway
87.2 mi · 01h 43m
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 Willow Springs 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 Willow Springs to East Independence?
The road trip is about 253.3 miles (407.7 km) and usually takes 04h 04m 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?
Fair Play is a useful midpoint, sitting about 125.8 miles from Willow Springs and 127.6 miles from East Independence.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 194.9 miles (313.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 58.4 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 8:50 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $33.71 one way or $67.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 79.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Willow Springs and Sunny near East Independence.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Willow Springs and East Independence. Straight-line distance: 194.83 mi (313.55 km).
#1 Willow Springs
City in Howell County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 2,098 |
| Coordinates | 36.9922800, -91.9698700 |
| Altitude | 387 |
| 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: 408 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $33.71 | $67.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $38.02 | $76.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $41.61 | $83.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $47.42 | $94.84 |
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 · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.