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Finding a car rental in Independence, Missouri is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands in Missouri with no booking fees. Grab your car at city spots like Independence Center Mall, Noland Road or the Square, skip airport surcharges and hit I-70 for a fast drive into Kansas City or across the state.
Since Independence is a suburb, car rental options are mainly at city-based locations rather than an airport.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Center Mall Area | • Central location near I-70 • Multiple agencies nearby • Convenient to shopping and dining |
• Limited hours on weekends • Smaller vehicle selection • May require advance booking |
| Noland Road Corridor | • Close to historic attractions • Near Highway 24 • Convenient to eastern suburbs |
• Limited agency options • Restricted hours (often closed Sundays) • Smaller fleet availability |
| Eastern Jackson County Courthouse | • Close to historic Independence Square • Walkable to Truman sites • Central pickup location |
• Limited parking for returns • Smaller selection of vehicles • May have higher rates |
Nearby Airport Option:
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is about 30 miles (48 km) from Independence and offers all major rental agencies along with wider vehicle selection, though at higher rates due to airport fees.
On average, car rentals at Springfield Branson Airport cost around $89 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Compare city vs. airport pick-up in our search tool. Independence locations dodge airport surcharges and can be cheaper if their shorter hours work for you.
Reserve 1–2 weeks early for peak times (summer, Chiefs/Royals home games, major KC events). Off-season? You can often book later without paying more.
Price out a weekly rate if you'll keep the car 5+ days. In Independence the weekly bundle is often 30-40 % cheaper than paying day-to-day.
Add your spouse or domestic partner for free. Missouri law waives the extra-driver fee that usually runs $10–15 per day.
Skip paid GPS and toll gadgets. There are no local toll roads and your phone navigates Kansas City just fine.
Refuel away from I-70 exits at big chain stations or warehouse clubs to save 5–10¢ per gallon on gas.
Historic Square:
Popular Attractions:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Get a car rental to see:
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum – archives, exhibits
Independence Square – courthouse, shops
Downtown Kansas City – Power & Light District, River Market
Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums – football, baseball
Is a car necessary when visiting Independence?
Yes, we really recommend a car. You can walk around the historic Independence Square area, but most attractions are spread out across the city and the city has limited public transportation. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore Independence and the bigger Kansas City area.
What are the busiest traffic times in Independence?
You'll find heavier traffic during weekday rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:30 PM), especially on I-70, US-24 and main roads like Noland Road and MO-291. Traffic also gets heavier around Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums before and after games.
Where is the best place to rent a car if arriving at Kansas City International Airport?
You can find all the major rental companies at the airport's rental car center. If you're staying in Independence, we suggest renting at the airport and driving to the city. The drive takes about 35-45 minutes. You'll usually find more cars to choose from at the airport than at rental places in Independence.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Independence?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit or debit card that has your name on it. You usually don't need to show proof of insurance, but bringing your insurance card can make things faster. If you're visiting from another country, you need a valid passport and driver's license. We strongly recommend getting an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
How much should I budget for fuel?
Gas prices in Independence usually range from about $3.00 to $3.60 per gallon. If you rent a compact car to explore Independence and take trips to Kansas City, you will probably spend about $35 to $55 on gas over a weekend.
Are there any areas I should avoid driving in Independence?
Like any city, some neighborhoods have higher crime rates. You should take normal safety measures, especially at night. The historic district, main shopping streets and tourist areas are generally safe. But you should always hide your valuables when you park your car.
How does winter weather affect driving in Independence?
Snow and ice can sometimes make driving tricky in the winter. Crews usually clear the major roads quickly, but side streets can stay slippery for longer. You might want to get an AWD vehicle if you visit from December to February, especially if you plan to drive off the main roads.
Is it easy to find parking at the Truman historic sites?
Yes. The Truman Library & Museum, Truman Home and Independence Square all have plenty of parking. During the busy summer months or for special events, the parking lots can get full. But you can usually find street parking a short walk away.
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