How far is Cape Girardeau, MO from West Plains, MO?
The driving distance from Cape Girardeau, MO to West Plains, MO is about 196.9 miles (316.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134.8 miles (217 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 51m 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 55m.
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 Carter County, Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cape Girardeau and West Plains.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cape Girardeau and West Plains.
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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
90.2 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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11
Take the exit slight left toward US 63 South: West Plains
2318 ft · 57 sec
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12
Merge slight right onto US 63 South: West Plains, Thayer
16.2 mi · 20 min
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13
Turn left onto Gibson Street
1307 ft · 22 sec · Gibson Street
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14
Turn straight
53 m · 6 sec
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15
Turn slight right onto Porter Wagoner Boulevard
1.1 mi · 3 min · Porter Wagoner Boulevard
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16
Continue on West Main Street
2854 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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17
Turn right onto Court Square
117 m · 11 sec · Court Square
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Court Square
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cape Girardeau and West Plains.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 60 West
Take the exit slight right
90.2 mi · 01h 47m
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 Cape Girardeau and Mostly Sunny near West Plains.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cape Girardeau to West Plains?
The road trip is about 196.9 miles (316.8 km) and usually takes 03h 55m 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?
Ellsinore is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98.3 miles from Cape Girardeau and 98.5 miles from West Plains.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 134.8 miles (217 km), while the road route adds roughly 62.1 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 9:08 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.21 one way or $52.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cape Girardeau and Mostly Sunny near West Plains.
Stop Ideas Near Ellsinore
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Ellsinore.
Poplar Bluff
Walnut Ridge
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cape Girardeau and West Plains. Straight-line distance: 134.81 mi (216.96 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 West Plains
City in Missouri, United States
| Population | 12,383 |
| Coordinates | 36.7281200, -91.8523700 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Plains (-91.85237, 36.72812)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 317 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.21 | $52.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.56 | $59.12 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.35 | $64.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.86 | $73.73 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.