How far is Jefferson City, MO from Joplin, MO?
The driving distance from Jefferson City, MO to Joplin, MO is about 205.2 miles (330.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 164.1 miles (264.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 37m 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 18m.
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 Missouri
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Jefferson City and Joplin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jefferson City and Joplin.
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1
Start on East Wall Way
47 m · 13 sec · East Wall Way
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2
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
1130 ft · 40 sec · Jefferson Street
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3
Turn left onto Rex M Whitton Expressway
540 ft · 23 sec · Rex M Whitton Expressway
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4
Turn right onto Madison Street
3189 ft · 2 min · Madison Street
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5
Take the ramp straight
1131 ft · 28 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto C. F. “Red” Whaley Expressway
56.5 mi · 1 hr 5 min · C. F. “Red” Whaley Expressway
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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 Jefferson City 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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Jefferson City and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance 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 Jefferson City to Joplin?
The road trip is about 205.2 miles (330.2 km) and usually takes 03h 18m 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?
Conway is a useful midpoint, sitting about 102.5 miles from Jefferson City and 102.7 miles from Joplin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 164.1 miles (264.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 41.1 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 10:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.30 one way or $54.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 64.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Jefferson City and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Joplin.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Jefferson City and Joplin. Straight-line distance: 164.12 mi (264.12 km).
#1 Jefferson City
The capital of Missouri.
| Population | 42,708 |
| Coordinates | 38.5767000, -92.1735200 |
| Altitude | 192 |
| 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: 330 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.30 | $54.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.79 | $61.58 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.69 | $67.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.40 | $76.80 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.