How far is La Plata, MO from Saint Joseph, MO?
The driving distance from La Plata, MO to Saint Joseph, MO is about 150.8 miles (242.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.1 miles (202.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 55m 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 27m.
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.
Human settlement in Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Plata and Saint Joseph.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Plata and Saint Joseph.
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1
Start on East Moore Street
6 m · 6 sec · East Moore Street
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2
Turn left onto South Gex Street
844 ft · 42 sec · South Gex Street
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3
Turn left onto East Clark Street
1.1 km · 1 min · East Clark Street
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4
Turn right
18.9 mi · 22 min
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5
Take the exit right toward US 36 West, MO 110 West: Saint Joseph
875 ft · 12 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
103.1 mi · 2 hr · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
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7
Continue straight
13.4 mi · 15 min
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8
Continue straight
13.1 mi · 16 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 29 Business
708 ft · 18 sec
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10
Turn slight left onto South 10th Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · South 10th Street
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11
Turn right onto Frederick Avenue
116 m · 6 sec · Frederick Avenue
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12
Turn slight right onto Walter Welsh Avenue
42 m · 3 sec · Walter Welsh Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Walter Welsh Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Plata and Saint Joseph.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
Merge slight left onto Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
103 mi · 02h 00m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving La Plata and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Saint Joseph.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Plata to Saint Joseph?
The road trip is about 150.8 miles (242.7 km) and usually takes 02h 27m 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?
Cream Ridge is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.3 miles from La Plata and 75.5 miles from Saint Joseph.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.1 miles (202.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.7 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 1:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.06 one way or $40.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around La Plata and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Saint Joseph.
Stop Ideas Near Cream Ridge
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 Cream Ridge.
La Plata
Independence
Warrensburg
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Plata and Saint Joseph. Straight-line distance: 126.07 mi (202.89 km).
#1 La Plata
City in Macon County, Missouri
| Population | 1,303 |
| Coordinates | 40.0233700, -92.4915800 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Saint Joseph
The most populous city in Buchanan County, Missouri.
| Population | 74,074 |
| Coordinates | 39.7686100, -94.8466300 |
| Altitude | 270 |
| Country | United States |
End: Walter Welsh Avenue (-94.846632, 39.768853)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 243 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.06 | $40.12 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.63 | $45.25 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.76 | $49.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.22 | $56.43 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.