How far is Joplin, MO from Macon, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Macon, MO is about 292.7 miles (471 km), with a travel time of about 05h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 214.3 miles (344.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 13m 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 36m.
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 Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and Macon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Macon.
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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
28 mi · 32 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 63 North: Columbia
84.8 mi · 1 hr 33 min
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14
Turn left onto South Rollins Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · South Rollins Street
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15
At the end of the road, turn right onto East Washington Street
47 m · 11 sec · East Washington Street
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16
Turn left onto Walker Street
48 m · 7 sec · Walker Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Walker Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Macon.
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
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 Sunny leaving Joplin and Mostly Sunny near Macon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Macon?
The road trip is about 292.7 miles (471 km) and usually takes 05h 36m 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 146.3 miles from Joplin and 146.3 miles from Macon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 214.3 miles (344.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 78.4 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 5:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $38.95 one way or $77.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 91.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Joplin and Mostly Sunny near Macon.
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 Macon. Straight-line distance: 214.3 mi (344.89 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 Macon
City in Missouri, United States of America
| Population | 5,341 |
| Coordinates | 39.7422600, -92.4726900 |
| Altitude | 265 |
| Country | United States |
End: Macon (-92.47269, 39.74226)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 471 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $38.95 | $77.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $43.93 | $87.87 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $48.08 | $96.15 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $54.79 | $109.58 |
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 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.