How far is Joplin, MO from Center, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Center, MO is about 289.9 miles (466.6 km), with a travel time of about 05h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 232.9 miles (374.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 15m 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 37m.
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, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and Center.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Center.
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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
31.2 mi · 36 min
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12
Turn straight
74.3 mi · 1 hr 23 min
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13
At the end of the road, turn right onto East Liberty Street
10.3 mi · 13 min · East Liberty Street
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14
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Scott's Corner
68 m · 3 sec
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15
Exit the rotary
8.1 mi · 11 min
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16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
56 m · 2 sec
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17
Exit the roundabout
18.6 mi · 21 min
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18
Turn sharp right onto South Public Street
94 m · 14 sec · South Public Street
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19
Turn left onto East Lamb Street
31 m · 5 sec · East Lamb Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Lamb Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Center.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
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.
Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Joplin and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Center.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Center?
The road trip is about 289.9 miles (466.6 km) and usually takes 05h 37m 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?
Camdenton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 144.9 miles from Joplin and 145 miles from Center.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 232.9 miles (374.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 57 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 5:44 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $38.58 one way or $77.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 90.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Joplin and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Center.
Stop Ideas Near Camdenton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Camdenton.
Jefferson City
Sedalia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and Center. Straight-line distance: 232.86 mi (374.76 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 Center
City in Ralls County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 505 |
| Coordinates | 39.5081000, -91.5287700 |
| Altitude | 218 |
| Country | United States |
End: Center (-91.52877, 39.5081)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 467 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $38.58 | $77.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $43.51 | $87.02 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $47.61 | $95.22 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $54.26 | $108.52 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.