How far is Joplin, MO from Poplar Bluff, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Poplar Bluff, MO is about 256.8 miles (413.2 km), with a travel time of about 05h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 228.7 miles (368.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 11m 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 05m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and Poplar Bluff.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Poplar Bluff.
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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
53.2 mi · 57 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MO 360 East
1463 ft · 31 sec
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8
Continue on James River Freeway
14.4 mi · 17 min · James River Freeway
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9
Continue straight
81.3 mi · 1 hr 35 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on US 60 East: Mountain View, Poplar Bluff
90.4 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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11
Keep slight right
4.8 mi · 6 min
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12
Turn straight onto North Westwood Boulevard
1.6 mi · 3 min · North Westwood Boulevard
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13
Continue on State Street
1396 ft · 26 sec · State Street
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14
Continue on North Westwood Boulevard
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Westwood Boulevard
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15
Turn left onto West Pine Street
1.4 km · 1 min · West Pine Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Pine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Poplar Bluff.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 60 East
Keep slight left to continue on US 60 East: Mountain View, Poplar Bluff
90.4 mi · 01h 47m
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 Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Poplar Bluff.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Poplar Bluff?
The road trip is about 256.8 miles (413.2 km) and usually takes 05h 05m 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?
Mountain Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 128.2 miles from Joplin and 128.6 miles from Poplar Bluff.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 228.7 miles (368.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.1 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 6:48 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.17 one way or $68.33 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Joplin and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Poplar Bluff.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and Poplar Bluff. Straight-line distance: 228.7 mi (368.06 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 Poplar Bluff
City in Butler County in Southeast Missouri, United States
| Population | 16,807 |
| Coordinates | 36.7570000, -90.3928900 |
| Altitude | 110 |
| Country | United States |
End: Poplar Bluff (-90.39289, 36.757)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 413 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $34.17 | $68.33 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $38.53 | $77.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $42.17 | $84.33 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $48.05 | $96.11 |
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.