How far is Joplin, MO from West Plains, MO?
The driving distance from Joplin, MO to West Plains, MO is about 176.2 miles (283.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 149.1 miles (239.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 02m 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 31m.
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 Greene and Webster Counties in the U.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joplin and West Plains.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin and West Plains.
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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 right to continue on US 63 South: West Plains, Thayer
16.6 mi · 20 min
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11
Turn left onto Gibson Street
1307 ft · 22 sec · Gibson Street
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12
Turn straight
53 m · 6 sec
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13
Turn slight right onto Porter Wagoner Boulevard
1.1 mi · 3 min · Porter Wagoner Boulevard
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14
Continue on West Main Street
2854 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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15
Turn right onto Court Square
117 m · 11 sec · Court Square
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Court Square
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joplin and West Plains.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
James River Freeway
Continue straight
81.3 mi · 01h 35m
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 Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Joplin and Mostly Sunny near West Plains.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joplin to West Plains?
The road trip is about 176.2 miles (283.6 km) and usually takes 03h 31m 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?
Rogersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88 miles from Joplin and 88.2 miles from West Plains.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 149.1 miles (239.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.1 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 9:58 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.46 one way or $46.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Joplin and Mostly Sunny near West Plains.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joplin and West Plains. Straight-line distance: 149.05 mi (239.87 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 West Plains
City in Missouri, United States
| Population | 12,383 |
| Coordinates | 36.7281200, -91.8523700 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Plains (-91.85237, 36.72812)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 284 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.46 | $46.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.45 | $52.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.95 | $57.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.99 | $65.98 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.