How far is Joplin, MO from Flat River, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Flat River, MO is about 262.3 miles (422.2 km), with a travel time of about 05h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 225.4 miles (362.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 35m 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 17m.
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.
Human settlement in 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
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and Flat River.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Flat River.
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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
192.5 mi · 3 hr 28 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MO 19: Cuba, Owensville
1257 ft · 34 sec
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8
Turn right
9.6 mi · 14 min
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9
Continue straight
50.2 mi · 1 hr 15 min
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10
Turn right
2210 ft · 44 sec
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11
Continue on West Main Street
1 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
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12
Turn left onto Crane Street
93 m · 8 sec · Crane Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Crane Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Flat River.
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
193 mi · 03h 28m
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 Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Joplin and Sunny near Flat River.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Flat River?
The road trip is about 262.3 miles (422.2 km) and usually takes 05h 17m 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?
Stoutland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 131 miles from Joplin and 131.4 miles from Flat River.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 225.4 miles (362.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.9 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 6:24 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.92 one way or $69.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 82.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Joplin and Sunny near Flat River.
Stop Ideas Near Stoutland
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 Stoutland.
Jefferson City
Sedalia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and Flat River. Straight-line distance: 225.44 mi (362.81 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 Flat River
River in Michigan, United States of America
| Population | 5,157 |
| Coordinates | 37.8500500, -90.5167900 |
| Altitude | 219 |
| Country | United States |
End: Flat River (-90.51679, 37.85005)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 422 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $34.92 | $69.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $39.38 | $78.77 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $43.10 | $86.19 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $49.12 | $98.23 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.