How far is Joplin, MO from Polk, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Polk, MO is about 109.4 miles (176 km), with a travel time of about 02h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 80.2 miles (129 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 55m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 27m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Lawrence County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and Polk.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Polk.
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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
62 mi · 1 hr 7 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MO 13: Bolivar
801 ft · 17 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on MO 13 North: Bolivar
57 m · 6 sec
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9
Continue on North Kansas Expressway
23.3 mi · 27 min · North Kansas Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward MO 83, MO 13 Business: Bolivar
1152 ft · 29 sec
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11
Turn right onto South Springfield Avenue
2.8 mi · 5 min · South Springfield Avenue
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12
Turn right onto East Broadway Street
1.4 km · 2 min · East Broadway Street
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13
Turn left onto North Pomme de Terre Avenue
11.6 mi · 28 min · North Pomme de Terre Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Polk.
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
62 mi · 01h 07m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Joplin and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Polk.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Polk?
The road trip is about 109.4 miles (176 km) and usually takes 02h 27m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Halltown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 54.6 miles from Joplin and 54.7 miles from Polk.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 80.2 miles (129 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.2 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.34 one way or $30.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Joplin and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Polk.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and Polk. Straight-line distance: 80.15 mi (128.99 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 Polk
County in Missouri, United States
| Population | 732 |
| Coordinates | 37.7292000, -93.2993600 |
| Altitude | 317 |
| Country | United States |
End: Polk (-93.29936, 37.7292)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 176 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.98 | $15.34 | $30.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.34 | $16.76 | $33.51 |
| Premium | $4.71 | $18.17 | $36.34 |
| Diesel | $5.99 | $23.11 | $46.23 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026