How far is Columbia, MO from Joplin, MO?
The driving distance from Columbia, MO to Joplin, MO is about 235.8 miles (379.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 175.3 miles (282.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 35m 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 47m.
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 Laclede County, Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Joplin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Joplin.
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1
Start on North Providence Road
1.6 km · 2 min · North Providence Road
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2
Turn left onto East Stadium Boulevard
2.2 mi · 4 min · East Stadium Boulevard
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3
Take the ramp right toward US 63 South: Jefferson City
1033 ft · 25 sec
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4
Merge slight left
25.5 mi · 27 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 54 West, US 63 South: Jefferson City
6.6 mi · 8 min
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6
Continue straight
52.7 mi · 1 hr 1 min
-
7
Take the exit right toward MO 5 South, MO 7 South: Lebanon
1203 ft · 29 sec
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8
Merge slight left
24 mi · 29 min
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9
Turn left onto North Jefferson Avenue
1.6 mi · 2 min · North Jefferson Avenue
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10
Take the exit right toward I 44 West: Springfield
731 ft · 18 sec
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11
Merge slight left
113 mi · 2 hr 2 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin
8.5 mi · 17 min
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13
Turn right onto South Main Street
48 m · 7 sec · South Main Street
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14
Turn right
18 m · 7 sec
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15
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia 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.
Sunny leaving Columbia and Sunny near Joplin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Joplin?
The road trip is about 235.8 miles (379.5 km) and usually takes 03h 47m 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?
Lebanon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 117.8 miles from Columbia and 118 miles from Joplin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 175.3 miles (282.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 60.5 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 9:24 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.37 one way or $62.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 73.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Columbia and Sunny near Joplin.
Stop Ideas Near Lebanon
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 Lebanon.
Jefferson City
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Joplin. Straight-line distance: 175.26 mi (282.05 km).
#1 Columbia
The most populous city in the state of Missouri.
| Population | 124,769 |
| Coordinates | 38.9517100, -92.3340700 |
| Altitude | 215 |
| 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: 380 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $31.37 | $62.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $35.38 | $70.77 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $38.72 | $77.44 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $44.13 | $88.26 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.