How far is Joplin, MO from Rolla, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Rolla, MO is about 179.3 miles (288.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 161.7 miles (260.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 46m 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 03h 23m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and Rolla.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Rolla.
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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
169.9 mi · 3 hr 4 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MO E: Rolla
1038 ft · 22 sec
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8
Turn right onto Tim Bradley Way
1471 ft · 36 sec · Tim Bradley Way
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9
Turn slight right onto North Bishop Avenue
9 m · 1 sec · North Bishop Avenue
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10
Keep slight right to continue on North Bishop Avenue
44 m · 3 sec · North Bishop Avenue
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11
Continue on North Bishop Avenue
596 ft · 22 sec · North Bishop Avenue
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12
Turn left onto West 10th Street
1693 ft · 1 min · West 10th Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 10th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Rolla.
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
170 mi · 03h 04m
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 near Rolla.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Rolla?
The road trip is about 179.3 miles (288.5 km) and usually takes 03h 23m 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?
Marshfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.5 miles from Joplin and 89.7 miles from Rolla.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 161.7 miles (260.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.6 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 10:14 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.83 one way or $47.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.2 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 near Rolla.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and Rolla. Straight-line distance: 161.77 mi (260.34 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 Rolla
City in Phelps County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 20,437 |
| Coordinates | 37.9514300, -91.7712700 |
| Altitude | 342 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rolla (-91.77127, 37.95143)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 288 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.83 | $47.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.88 | $53.76 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.41 | $58.83 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.52 | $67.04 |
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.