How far is Joplin, MO from Union, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Union, MO is about 240.3 miles (386.8 km), with a travel time of about 04h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 213.4 miles (343.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 04m 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 04h 32m.
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 Laclede County, Missouri, United States
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 Union.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Union.
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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
224.6 mi · 4 hr 3 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MO 47: Union, Saint Clair
1030 ft · 25 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on MO 47: Union, Saint Clair
32 m · 5 sec
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9
Turn left onto North Main Street
5.7 mi · 8 min · North Main Street
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10
At the end of the road, turn left
2437 ft · 55 sec
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11
Turn right
157 m · 15 sec
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12
Turn left onto East Main Street
1641 ft · 50 sec · East Main Street
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13
Turn right onto North McKinley Avenue
75 m · 7 sec · North McKinley Avenue
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14
Continue on North McKinley Avenue
119 m · 15 sec · North McKinley Avenue
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15
Continue on East State Street
159 m · 27 sec · East State Street
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16
Turn right onto North Church Street
984 ft · 39 sec · North Church Street
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17
Turn left onto East Park Avenue
900 ft · 31 sec · East Park Avenue
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18
Turn left
19 m · 5 sec
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Union.
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
225 mi · 04h 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 Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Joplin and Mostly Sunny near Union.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Union?
The road trip is about 240.3 miles (386.8 km) and usually takes 04h 32m 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?
Lebanon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 120 miles from Joplin and 120.3 miles from Union.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 213.4 miles (343.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.9 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 7:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.98 one way or $63.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 75.4 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 Union.
Stop Ideas Near Lebanon
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 Lebanon.
Jefferson City
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and Union. Straight-line distance: 213.4 mi (343.44 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 Union
City in and county seat of Franklin County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 12,094 |
| Coordinates | 38.4500500, -91.0084800 |
| Altitude | 162 |
| Country | United States |
End: Union (-91.00848, 38.45005)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 387 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $31.98 | $63.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.07 | $72.13 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $39.47 | $78.93 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $44.98 | $89.96 |
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.