How far is Cape Girardeau, MO from Joplin, MO?
The driving distance from Cape Girardeau, MO to Joplin, MO is about 336.2 miles (541.1 km), with a travel time of about 05h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 275.3 miles (443.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 38m 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 05h 19m.
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 Howell County, Missouri, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cape Girardeau and Joplin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cape Girardeau and Joplin.
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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
52.7 mi · 56 min · Captain Aaron J Eidem Memorial Highway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin
8.5 mi · 17 min
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14
Turn right onto South Main Street
48 m · 7 sec · South Main Street
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15
Turn right
18 m · 7 sec
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16
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cape Girardeau and Joplin.
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.
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau to Joplin?
The road trip is about 336.2 miles (541.1 km) and usually takes 05h 19m 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?
Mountain View is a useful midpoint, sitting about 168 miles from Cape Girardeau and 168.3 miles from Joplin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 275.3 miles (443.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 60.9 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 6:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $44.72 one way or $89.45 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 105.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Cape Girardeau and Partly Sunny near Joplin.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cape Girardeau and Joplin. Straight-line distance: 275.32 mi (443.08 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 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: 541 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $44.72 | $89.45 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $50.44 | $100.88 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $55.20 | $110.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $62.91 | $125.81 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.