How far is Joplin, MO from Branson, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Branson, MO is about 109.5 miles (176.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 77.8 miles (125.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 23m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 11m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Human settlement in Lawrence County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and Branson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Branson.
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1
Start on the route
67 m · 18 sec
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2
At the end of the road, turn right
59 m · 19 sec
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3
Turn left onto East 7th Street
6.8 mi · 14 min · East 7th Street
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4
Continue on Cimarron Road
1.4 km · 1 min · Cimarron Road
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 44 East, I 49 North, US 71 North: Springfield, Kansas City
1 km · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left onto Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
53.2 mi · 57 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MO 360 East
1463 ft · 31 sec
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8
Continue on James River Freeway
13.2 mi · 15 min · James River Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 65: Sedalia, Branson
906 ft · 17 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on US 65 South: Branson
2441 ft · 46 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Schoolcraft Freeway
2.1 mi · 2 min · Schoolcraft Freeway
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12
Continue on American Legion Memorial Highway
10.9 mi · 13 min · American Legion Memorial Highway
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13
Continue on US Highway 65
12 mi · 14 min · US Highway 65
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14
Continue on American Legion Memorial Highway
7.5 mi · 9 min · American Legion Memorial Highway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward MO 248, CR 165, Red Route
1043 ft · 22 sec
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16
Keep slight left to continue on Red Route East
79 m · 7 sec
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17
Turn straight onto Branson Landing Boulevard
3251 ft · 2 min · Branson Landing Boulevard
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18
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Veterans Boulevard
47 m · 4 sec · Veterans Boulevard
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19
Exit the roundabout onto Veterans Boulevard
2041 ft · 52 sec · Veterans Boulevard
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20
Continue on South Business 65
52 m · 6 sec · South Business 65
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21
Turn right
19 m · 5 sec
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Branson.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
Merge slight left onto Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
53.2 mi · 00h 57m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Joplin and Partly Sunny near Branson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Branson?
The road trip is about 109.5 miles (176.2 km) and usually takes 02h 11m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Halltown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 54.7 miles from Joplin and 54.8 miles from Branson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 77.8 miles (125.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.56 one way or $29.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Joplin and Partly Sunny near Branson.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and Branson. Straight-line distance: 77.78 mi (125.17 km).
#1 Joplin
The most populous city in Jasper County, Missouri.
| Population | 50,956 |
| Coordinates | 37.0842300, -94.5132800 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Branson
Town in Taney County, Missouri, USA
| Population | 11,687 |
| Coordinates | 36.6436700, -93.2185100 |
| Altitude | 237 |
| Country | United States |
End: Branson (-93.21851, 36.64367)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 176 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.56 | $29.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.42 | $32.83 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.96 | $35.93 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.47 | $40.95 |
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.