How far is Kirkwood, MO from Joplin, MO?
The driving distance from Kirkwood, MO to Joplin, MO is about 272 miles (437.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 246.8 miles (397.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 17m 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 08m.
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.
Human settlement in Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kirkwood and Joplin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kirkwood and Joplin.
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1
Start on West Adams Avenue
40 m · 7 sec · West Adams Avenue
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2
Turn right onto North Kirkwood Road
742 ft · 25 sec · North Kirkwood Road
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3
Continue on South Kirkwood Road
1.4 mi · 4 min · South Kirkwood Road
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward I 44 West, US 50 West
46 m · 2 sec
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5
Continue on I 44 West, US 50 West
1264 ft · 18 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Police Officer Ernest M. Brockman Sr. Memorial Highway
1720 ft · 25 sec · Police Officer Ernest M. Brockman Sr. Memorial Highway
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7
Continue on Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
261.3 mi · 4 hr 44 min · Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin
8.5 mi · 17 min
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9
Turn right onto South Main Street
48 m · 7 sec · South Main Street
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10
Turn right
18 m · 7 sec
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11
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kirkwood and Joplin.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
Continue on Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor
261 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.
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Kirkwood and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny near Joplin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kirkwood to Joplin?
The road trip is about 272 miles (437.7 km) and usually takes 04h 08m 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?
Stoutland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 135.9 miles from Kirkwood and 136.1 miles from Joplin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 246.8 miles (397.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.2 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 8:42 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.20 one way or $72.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 85.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms around Kirkwood and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny near Joplin.
Stop Ideas Near Stoutland
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 Stoutland.
Jefferson City
Sedalia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kirkwood and Joplin. Straight-line distance: 246.84 mi (397.25 km).
#1 Kirkwood
Suburb of St.
| Population | 27,866 |
| Coordinates | 38.5833900, -90.4067800 |
| Altitude | 201 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Joplin
The most populous city in Jasper County, Missouri.
| Population | 50,956 |
| Coordinates | 37.0842300, -94.5132800 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Main Street (-94.513461, 37.084233)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 438 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $36.20 | $72.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $40.83 | $81.66 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $44.68 | $89.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $50.92 | $101.84 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.