How far is California, MO from Joplin, MO?
The driving distance from California, MO to Joplin, MO is about 201.9 miles (325 km), with a travel time of about 03h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 150.5 miles (242.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 48m 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 24m.
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.
Township in Webster County, Missouri
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between California and Joplin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between California and Joplin.
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1
Start on West Buchanan Street
6 m · 4 sec · West Buchanan Street
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2
Turn right onto South Oak Street
9.8 mi · 14 min · South Oak Street
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3
Turn left
30 m · 2 sec
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4
Turn straight
10.4 mi · 14 min
-
5
Turn straight onto Manor Drive
2386 ft · 2 min · Manor Drive
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6
At the end of the road, turn left
1.1 km · 1 min
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7
Take the ramp right toward US 54 West: Lake of the Ozarks
1283 ft · 31 sec
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8
Merge slight left
28.7 mi · 34 min
-
9
Take the exit right toward MO 5 South, MO 7 South: Lebanon
1203 ft · 29 sec
-
10
Merge slight left
24 mi · 29 min
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11
Turn left onto North Jefferson Avenue
1.6 mi · 2 min · North Jefferson Avenue
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12
Take the exit right toward I 44 West: Springfield
731 ft · 18 sec
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13
Merge slight left
113 mi · 2 hr 2 min
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin
8.5 mi · 17 min
-
15
Turn right onto South Main Street
48 m · 7 sec · South Main Street
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16
Turn right
18 m · 7 sec
-
17
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between California and Joplin.
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 44 West
Merge slight left
113 mi · 02h 02m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving California and Partly Sunny near Joplin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from California to Joplin?
The road trip is about 201.9 miles (325 km) and usually takes 03h 24m 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?
Niangua is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98.8 miles from California and 103.1 miles from Joplin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 150.5 miles (242.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.4 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 10:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.89 one way or $53.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 63.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around California and Partly Sunny near Joplin.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between California and Joplin. Straight-line distance: 150.48 mi (242.18 km).
#1 California
Town in Missouri
| Population | 4,403 |
| Coordinates | 38.6275300, -92.5665800 |
| Altitude | 272 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Joplin
The most populous city in Jasper County, Missouri.
| Population | 50,956 |
| Coordinates | 37.0842300, -94.5132800 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Main Street (-94.513461, 37.084233)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 325 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.89 | $53.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.32 | $60.65 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.18 | $66.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.82 | $75.64 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.