How far is Joplin, MO from California, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to California, MO is about 197.6 miles (318 km), with a travel time of about 03h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 150.5 miles (242.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 55m 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 57m.
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.
Township in Webster County, Missouri
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and California.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and California.
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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
113.3 mi · 2 hr 3 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MO 64, MO 5, MO 32: Hartville
894 ft · 26 sec
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8
Turn left onto South Jefferson Avenue
1.6 mi · 3 min · South Jefferson Avenue
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9
Continue straight
23.7 mi · 29 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 54: Camdenton, Nevada, Osage Beach, Jefferson City
1082 ft · 23 sec
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11
Turn right
28.5 mi · 33 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward MO 87, MO M: Eldon
1438 ft · 37 sec
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13
At the end of the road, turn left
1.4 km · 2 min
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14
Turn right onto Manor Drive
2386 ft · 2 min · Manor Drive
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15
Keep slight left
10.4 mi · 14 min
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16
At the end of the road, turn right
4 m · 1 sec
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17
Turn left
9.8 mi · 14 min
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18
Turn left onto West Buchanan Street
6 m · 1 sec · West Buchanan Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Buchanan Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and California.
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
113 mi · 02h 03m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Joplin and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near California.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to California?
The road trip is about 197.6 miles (318 km) and usually takes 03h 57m 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?
Niangua is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98.7 miles from Joplin and 98.9 miles from California.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 150.5 miles (242.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.1 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 9:04 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.28 one way or $52.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Joplin and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near California.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and California. Straight-line distance: 150.48 mi (242.18 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 California
Town in Missouri
| Population | 4,403 |
| Coordinates | 38.6275300, -92.5665800 |
| Altitude | 272 |
| Country | United States |
End: California (-92.56658, 38.62753)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 318 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.28 | $52.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.64 | $59.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.44 | $64.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.97 | $73.94 |
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 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.