How far is Rolla, MO from Joplin, MO?
The driving distance from Rolla, MO to Joplin, MO is about 179.3 miles (288.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 161.7 miles (260.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 31m 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 45m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rolla and Joplin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rolla and Joplin.
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1
Start on West 10th Street
1693 ft · 1 min · West 10th Street
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2
Turn right onto North Bishop Avenue
596 ft · 15 sec · North Bishop Avenue
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3
Continue on North Bishop Avenue
87 m · 5 sec · North Bishop Avenue
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4
Keep slight left to continue on North Bishop Avenue
56 m · 3 sec · North Bishop Avenue
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5
Keep slight right to continue on Tim Bradley Way
2000 ft · 48 sec · Tim Bradley Way
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward I 44 West: Springfield
84 m · 5 sec
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7
Exit the roundabout onto I 44 West: Springfield
910 ft · 22 sec
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8
Merge slight left
169.6 mi · 3 hr 3 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin
8.5 mi · 17 min
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10
Turn right onto South Main Street
48 m · 7 sec · South Main Street
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11
Turn right
18 m · 7 sec
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12
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rolla and Joplin.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 44 West
Merge slight left
170 mi · 03h 03m
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 leaving Rolla 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 Rolla to Joplin?
The road trip is about 179.3 miles (288.5 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Marshfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.5 miles from Rolla and 89.7 miles from Joplin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 161.7 miles (260.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.6 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 12:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.87 one way or $47.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Rolla and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Joplin.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rolla and Joplin. Straight-line distance: 161.77 mi (260.34 km).
#1 Rolla
City in Phelps County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 20,437 |
| Coordinates | 37.9514300, -91.7712700 |
| Altitude | 342 |
| 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: 289 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.87 | $47.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.92 | $53.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.46 | $58.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.57 | $67.15 |
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.