How far is Dexter, MO from Joplin, MO?
The driving distance from Dexter, MO to Joplin, MO is about 281 miles (452.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 252.3 miles (406.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 57m 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 04h 28m.
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 Texas 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 Dexter and Joplin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dexter and Joplin.
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1
Start on North Walnut Street
1341 ft · 42 sec · North Walnut Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn left
2.3 mi · 4 min
-
3
Turn right
91 m · 6 sec
-
4
Continue straight
615 ft · 16 sec
-
5
Take the ramp left toward US 60 West: Poplar Bluff
19.3 mi · 23 min
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6
Keep slight left
5.5 mi · 6 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward US 60 West, US 67 North: Springfield, Saint Louis
4.5 mi · 6 min
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8
Take the exit slight right
186.3 mi · 3 hr 39 min
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on I 44 West: Joplin
1.3 km · 2 min
-
10
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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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin
8.5 mi · 17 min
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12
Turn right onto South Main Street
48 m · 7 sec · South Main Street
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13
Turn right
18 m · 7 sec
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14
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dexter 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.
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Dexter and Mostly Sunny near Joplin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dexter to Joplin?
The road trip is about 281 miles (452.2 km) and usually takes 04h 28m 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?
Cabool is a useful midpoint, sitting about 140 miles from Dexter and 141 miles from Joplin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 252.3 miles (406.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.7 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 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:02 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.41 one way or $74.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 88.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Dexter and Mostly Sunny near Joplin.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dexter and Joplin. Straight-line distance: 252.33 mi (406.09 km).
#1 Dexter
City in Stoddard County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 7,839 |
| Coordinates | 36.7958900, -89.9578700 |
| Altitude | 113 |
| 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: 452 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $37.41 | $74.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $42.19 | $84.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $46.17 | $92.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $52.62 | $105.23 |
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 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.