How far is Joplin, MO from Cape Girardeau, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Cape Girardeau, MO is about 337.1 miles (542.5 km), with a travel time of about 05h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 275.3 miles (443.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 39m 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 05h 19m.
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 Howell County, Missouri, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and Cape Girardeau.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Cape Girardeau.
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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
14.4 mi · 17 min · James River Freeway
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9
Continue straight
81.3 mi · 1 hr 35 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on US 60 East: Mountain View, Poplar Bluff
90.4 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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11
Keep slight right
4.8 mi · 6 min
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12
Turn straight onto North Westwood Boulevard
823 ft · 14 sec · North Westwood Boulevard
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13
Turn slight left
84 m · 12 sec
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14
Turn left
756 ft · 16 sec
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15
Take the ramp right
1102 ft · 27 sec
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16
Merge slight left
51 mi · 59 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North: Saint Louis
1793 ft · 44 sec
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18
Merge slight left
27.4 mi · 29 min
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19
Keep slight right to continue on US 61, I 55 Business: Cape Girardeau
2 mi · 3 min
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20
Turn right onto Shawnee Parkway
1.6 mi · 3 min · Shawnee Parkway
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21
Turn left onto South Sprigg Street
1.3 km · 2 min · South Sprigg Street
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22
Turn right onto Broadway Street
2497 ft · 51 sec · Broadway Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Broadway Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Cape Girardeau.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
US 60 East
Keep slight left to continue on US 60 East: Mountain View, Poplar Bluff
90.4 mi · 01h 47m
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 Joplin and Showers And Thunderstorms near Cape Girardeau.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Cape Girardeau?
The road trip is about 337.1 miles (542.5 km) and usually takes 05h 19m 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?
Mountain View is a useful midpoint, sitting about 168.2 miles from Joplin and 168.9 miles from Cape Girardeau.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 275.3 miles (443.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 61.8 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 6:20 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $44.87 one way or $89.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 105.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Joplin and Showers And Thunderstorms near Cape Girardeau.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and Cape Girardeau. Straight-line distance: 275.32 mi (443.08 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 Cape Girardeau
The second-largest city in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri.
| Population | 41,588 |
| Coordinates | 37.3058800, -89.5181500 |
| Altitude | 108 |
| Country | United States |
End: Broadway Street (-89.518146, 37.305904)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 543 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $44.87 | $89.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $50.61 | $101.22 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $55.38 | $110.77 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $63.12 | $126.24 |
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 29, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.