How far is Joplin, MO from Waynesville, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to Waynesville, MO is about 151.6 miles (244 km), with a travel time of about 02h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 136.9 miles (220.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 50m 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 55m.
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.
City in Greene County, Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and Waynesville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and Waynesville.
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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
140.7 mi · 2 hr 32 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MO H, I 44 Business: Waynesville, Fort Leonard Wood
857 ft · 27 sec
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8
Turn left onto Ichord Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Ichord Avenue
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9
Turn right
1.7 mi · 4 min
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and Waynesville.
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
141 mi · 02h 32m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Joplin and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Waynesville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to Waynesville?
The road trip is about 151.6 miles (244 km) and usually takes 02h 55m 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?
Springfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.7 miles from Joplin and 75.9 miles from Waynesville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 136.9 miles (220.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.7 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 12:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.17 one way or $40.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Joplin and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Waynesville.
Stop Ideas Near Springfield
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Historic City Hall
Willard City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Springfield.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and Waynesville. Straight-line distance: 136.86 mi (220.26 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 Waynesville
City in Pulaski County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 5,308 |
| Coordinates | 37.8286500, -92.2007200 |
| Altitude | 246 |
| Country | United States |
End: Waynesville (-92.20072, 37.82865)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 244 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.17 | $40.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.75 | $45.51 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.90 | $49.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.38 | $56.75 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.