How far is Cape Girardeau, MO from Carthage, MO?
The driving distance from Cape Girardeau, MO to Carthage, MO is about 323.4 miles (520.5 km), with a travel time of about 06h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 263.7 miles (424.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 12h 43m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 7:30 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 06h 21m.
Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
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 Howell County, Missouri, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cape Girardeau and Carthage.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cape Girardeau and Carthage.
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1
Start on Broadway Street
2497 ft · 56 sec · Broadway Street
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2
Turn left onto North Sprigg Street
1.2 km · 2 min · North Sprigg Street
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3
Turn right onto Shawnee Parkway
1.6 mi · 3 min · Shawnee Parkway
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4
Turn left onto South Kingshighway
1.9 mi · 3 min · South Kingshighway
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 South, US 61 South: Sikeston
27.2 mi · 29 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 60 West: Dexter, Poplar Bluff
2865 ft · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left
45.4 mi · 52 min
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8
Keep slight left
5.5 mi · 6 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 60 West, US 67 North: Springfield, Saint Louis
4.5 mi · 6 min
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10
Take the exit slight right
186.3 mi · 3 hr 39 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 44 West: Joplin
1.3 km · 2 min
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12
Merge slight left onto Captain Aaron J Eidem Memorial Highway
10.3 mi · 11 min · Captain Aaron J Eidem Memorial Highway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward MO 96: Avilla
2896 ft · 1 min
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14
Turn straight
37.3 mi · 44 min
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15
Turn left onto Howard Street
942 ft · 43 sec · Howard Street
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16
Turn right onto East 4th Street
79 m · 13 sec · East 4th Street
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17
Turn right onto South Grant Street
46 m · 4 sec · South Grant Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Grant Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cape Girardeau and Carthage.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
US 60 West
Take the exit slight right
186 mi · 03h 39m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
Better with a longer stop
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Cape Girardeau and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Carthage.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cape Girardeau to Carthage?
The road trip is about 323.4 miles (520.5 km) and usually takes 06h 21m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mountain View is a useful midpoint, sitting about 161.5 miles from Cape Girardeau and 161.9 miles from Carthage.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 263.7 miles (424.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 59.7 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 7:30 AM CDT. Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $43.03 one way or $86.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 101.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Cape Girardeau and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Carthage.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cape Girardeau and Carthage. Straight-line distance: 263.71 mi (424.4 km).
#1 Cape Girardeau
The second-largest city in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri.
| Population | 41,588 |
| Coordinates | 37.3058800, -89.5181500 |
| Altitude | 108 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Carthage
City in Missouri
| Population | 14,732 |
| Coordinates | 37.1764500, -94.3102200 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carthage (-94.31022, 37.17645)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 521 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $43.03 | $86.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $48.53 | $97.05 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $53.10 | $106.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $60.52 | $121.04 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.