How far is Joplin, MO from Carthage, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Carthage, MO is about 16.4 miles (26.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 12.9 miles (20.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 52m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 26m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Jasper County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and Carthage.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Carthage.
-
1
Start on the route
25 m · 12 sec
-
2
Turn left
18 m · 6 sec
-
3
Turn right onto South Main Street
2.3 mi · 6 min · South Main Street
-
4
Turn straight onto North Main Street Road
1.7 mi · 3 min · North Main Street Road
-
5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Demott Drive
4 m · 1 sec · Demott Drive
-
6
Exit the roundabout onto Demott Drive
2 mi · 3 min · Demott Drive
-
7
Continue on West MacArthur Drive
1.5 km · 2 min · West MacArthur Drive
-
8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
71 m · 3 sec
-
9
Exit the roundabout
7.8 mi · 9 min
-
10
Continue on West Central Avenue
1998 ft · 50 sec · West Central Avenue
-
11
Turn right onto South Baker Boulevard
855 ft · 23 sec · South Baker Boulevard
-
12
Turn left onto Oak Street
1.2 km · 2 min · Oak Street
-
13
At the end of the road, turn right onto South Garrison Avenue
32 m · 10 sec · South Garrison Avenue
-
14
Turn left onto West 4th Street
1248 ft · 1 min · West 4th Street
-
15
Turn left onto South Grant Street
46 m · 4 sec · South Grant Street
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Grant Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Carthage.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
West MacArthur Drive
Exit the roundabout
7.8 mi · 00h 09m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Joplin and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms near Carthage.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Carthage?
The road trip is about 16.4 miles (26.4 km) and usually takes 00h 26m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Carterville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8.2 miles from Joplin and 8.2 miles from Carthage.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 12.9 miles (20.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.19 one way or $4.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Joplin and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms near Carthage.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and Carthage. Straight-line distance: 12.87 mi (20.72 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 Carthage
City in Missouri
| Population | 14,732 |
| Coordinates | 37.1764500, -94.3102200 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carthage (-94.31022, 37.17645)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 26 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.19 | $4.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $2.47 | $4.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $2.70 | $5.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $3.08 | $6.15 |
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.