How far is Joplin, MO from Kirkwood, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Kirkwood, MO is about 272.2 miles (438 km), with a travel time of about 05h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 246.8 miles (397.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 14m 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 07m.
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and Kirkwood.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Kirkwood.
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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
261.5 mi · 4 hr 44 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
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7
Continue on Police Officer Ernest M. Brockman Sr. Memorial Highway
2204 ft · 31 sec · Police Officer Ernest M. Brockman Sr. Memorial Highway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 50 East, US 61, US 67: Lindbergh Boulevard
813 ft · 22 sec
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9
Turn left onto South Kirkwood Road
1.6 mi · 4 min · South Kirkwood Road
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10
Continue on North Kirkwood Road
781 ft · 33 sec · North Kirkwood Road
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11
Turn left onto West Adams Avenue
40 m · 3 sec · West Adams Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Adams Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Kirkwood.
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
262 mi · 04h 44m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny leaving Joplin and Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near Kirkwood.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Kirkwood?
The road trip is about 272.2 miles (438 km) and usually takes 05h 07m 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 135.9 miles from Joplin and 136.3 miles from Kirkwood.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 246.8 miles (397.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.4 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 6:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.20 one way or $72.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 85.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny around Joplin and Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near Kirkwood.
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 Kirkwood. Straight-line distance: 246.84 mi (397.25 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 Kirkwood
Suburb of St.
| Population | 27,866 |
| Coordinates | 38.5833900, -90.4067800 |
| Altitude | 201 |
| Country | United States |
End: Kirkwood (-90.40678, 38.58339)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 438 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $36.20 | $72.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $40.83 | $81.66 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $44.68 | $89.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $50.92 | $101.84 |
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 · May 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.