How far is Joplin, MO from University City, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to University City, MO is about 281.2 miles (452.5 km), with a travel time of about 05h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 253.7 miles (408.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 38m 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 19m.
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 parts of witch are in Camden, Laclede, and Pulaski Counties
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and University City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and University City.
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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
261.5 mi · 4 hr 44 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
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7
Continue on Police Officer Ernest M. Brockman Sr. Memorial Highway
3.5 mi · 4 min · Police Officer Ernest M. Brockman Sr. Memorial Highway
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8
Continue on Police Officer Robert Stanze Memorial Highway
2.7 mi · 3 min · Police Officer Robert Stanze Memorial Highway
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9
Continue on Officer Michael Barwick Memorial Highway
1 km · 48 sec · Officer Michael Barwick Memorial Highway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Jamieson Avenue
651 ft · 14 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on Jamieson Avenue
69 m · 7 sec
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12
Turn left onto Jamieson Avenue
1486 ft · 47 sec · Jamieson Avenue
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13
At the end of the road, turn left onto Arsenal Street
1198 ft · 38 sec · Arsenal Street
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14
Turn right onto McCausland Avenue
1.6 mi · 3 min · McCausland Avenue
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15
Continue on South Skinker Boulevard
1.6 mi · 3 min · South Skinker Boulevard
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16
Turn left onto Delmar Boulevard
2613 ft · 1 min · Delmar Boulevard
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17
Turn left onto Kingsland Avenue
30 m · 6 sec · Kingsland Avenue
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18
Continue on Kingsland Avenue
53 m · 13 sec · Kingsland Avenue
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Kingsland Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and University City.
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
262 mi · 04h 44m
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.
Sunny leaving Joplin and Sunny near University City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to University City?
The road trip is about 281.2 miles (452.5 km) and usually takes 05h 19m 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?
Richland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 140.4 miles from Joplin and 140.8 miles from University City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 253.7 miles (408.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.5 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 6:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.41 one way or $74.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 88.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Joplin and Sunny near University City.
Stop Ideas Near Richland
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 Richland.
Jefferson City
Sedalia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and University City. Straight-line distance: 253.67 mi (408.25 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 University City
Suburb in St.
| Population | 34,165 |
| Coordinates | 38.6558800, -90.3092800 |
| Altitude | 161 |
| Country | United States |
End: University City (-90.30928, 38.65588)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 453 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $37.41 | $74.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $42.19 | $84.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $46.17 | $92.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $52.62 | $105.23 |
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 · May 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.