How far is Poplar Bluff, MO from Joplin, MO?
The driving distance from Poplar Bluff, MO to Joplin, MO is about 256.7 miles (413.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 228.7 miles (368.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 25m 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 12m.
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 Wright County, Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Poplar Bluff and Joplin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Poplar Bluff and Joplin.
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1
Start on West Pine Street
1.3 km · 1 min · West Pine Street
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2
Turn right onto North Westwood Boulevard
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Westwood Boulevard
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3
Continue on State Street
1396 ft · 26 sec · State Street
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4
Continue on North Westwood Boulevard
1.6 mi · 2 min · North Westwood Boulevard
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5
Continue straight
2283 ft · 38 sec
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6
Continue straight
4 mi · 5 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
186.3 mi · 3 hr 39 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 44 West: Joplin
1.3 km · 2 min
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9
Merge slight left onto Captain Aaron J Eidem Memorial Highway
52.7 mi · 56 min · Captain Aaron J Eidem Memorial Highway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin
8.5 mi · 17 min
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11
Turn right onto South Main Street
48 m · 7 sec · South Main Street
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12
Turn right
18 m · 7 sec
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13
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Poplar Bluff 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.
North Westwood Boulevard
Take the exit slight right
186 mi · 03h 39m
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 Poplar Bluff and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Joplin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Poplar Bluff to Joplin?
The road trip is about 256.7 miles (413.1 km) and usually takes 04h 12m 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?
Norwood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 128.2 miles from Poplar Bluff and 128.4 miles from Joplin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 228.7 miles (368.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 28 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 8:34 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.17 one way or $68.33 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Poplar Bluff and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Joplin.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Poplar Bluff and Joplin. Straight-line distance: 228.7 mi (368.06 km).
#1 Poplar Bluff
City in Butler County in Southeast Missouri, United States
| Population | 16,807 |
| Coordinates | 36.7570000, -90.3928900 |
| Altitude | 110 |
| 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: 413 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $34.17 | $68.33 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $38.53 | $77.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $42.17 | $84.33 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $48.05 | $96.11 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.