How far is Carthage, MO from Joplin, MO?
The driving distance from Carthage, MO to Joplin, MO is about 16.3 miles (26.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 12.9 miles (20.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 47m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 23m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Jasper County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Carthage and Joplin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carthage and Joplin.
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1
Start on South Grant Street
784 ft · 27 sec · South Grant Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Central Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · East Central Avenue
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3
Continue on I 49 Business, MO 96 West, MO 171 North: Webb City
6.7 mi · 7 min
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4
Keep slight right to continue on I 49 Business, MO 171 North: Webb City
1.1 mi · 1 min
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward East MacArthur Drive
72 m · 3 sec · East MacArthur Drive
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6
Exit the roundabout onto East MacArthur Drive
1.5 km · 2 min · East MacArthur Drive
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7
Continue on West Macarthur Drive
2 mi · 3 min · West Macarthur Drive
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward North Main Street Road
78 m · 7 sec · North Main Street Road
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9
Exit the roundabout onto North Main Street Road
4 mi · 9 min · North Main Street Road
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10
Turn left
18 m · 7 sec
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11
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Carthage and Joplin.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 49 Business
Continue on I 49 Business, MO 96 West, MO 171 North: Webb City
6.71 mi · 00h 07m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Carthage and Showers And Thunderstorms near Joplin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Carthage to Joplin?
The road trip is about 16.3 miles (26.3 km) and usually takes 00h 23m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Carterville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8.1 miles from Carthage and 8.1 miles from Joplin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 12.9 miles (20.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.4 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.19 one way or $4.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Carthage and Showers And Thunderstorms near Joplin.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Carthage and Joplin. Straight-line distance: 12.87 mi (20.72 km).
#1 Carthage
City in Missouri
| Population | 14,732 |
| Coordinates | 37.1764500, -94.3102200 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| 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: 26 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.19 | $4.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $2.47 | $4.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $2.70 | $5.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $3.08 | $6.15 |
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 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.