How far is Saint Joseph, MO from La Plata, MO?
The driving distance from Saint Joseph, MO to La Plata, MO is about 151.2 miles (243.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.1 miles (202.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 57m 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 58m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Joseph and La Plata.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Joseph and La Plata.
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1
Start on Walter Welsh Avenue
127 m · 9 sec · Walter Welsh Avenue
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2
Turn slight left onto Jules Street
3176 ft · 1 min · Jules Street
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3
Turn right onto North 22nd Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · North 22nd Street
-
4
Take the ramp right toward US 36 East: Cameron
1470 ft · 23 sec
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5
Merge slight left
128.7 mi · 2 hr 30 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 63: Kirksville, Macon
924 ft · 27 sec
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7
Turn left onto North Missouri Street
19 mi · 22 min · North Missouri Street
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8
Take the exit left
31 m · 5 sec
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9
Turn left onto East Clark Street
1.1 km · 1 min · East Clark Street
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10
Turn right onto South Gex Street
844 ft · 39 sec · South Gex Street
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11
Turn right onto East Moore Street
6 m · 1 sec · East Moore Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Moore Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Joseph and La Plata.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 36 East
Merge slight left
129 mi · 02h 30m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Saint Joseph and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near La Plata.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Joseph to La Plata?
The road trip is about 151.2 miles (243.4 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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 75.5 miles from Saint Joseph and 75.7 miles from La Plata.
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 25.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.14 one way or $40.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Saint Joseph and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near La Plata.
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 Saint Joseph and La Plata. Straight-line distance: 126.07 mi (202.89 km).
#1 Saint Joseph
The most populous city in Buchanan County, Missouri.
| Population | 74,074 |
| Coordinates | 39.7686100, -94.8466300 |
| Altitude | 270 |
| Country | United States |
#2 La Plata
City in Macon County, Missouri
| Population | 1,303 |
| Coordinates | 40.0233700, -92.4915800 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
End: La Plata (-92.49158, 40.02337)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 243 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.14 | $40.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.71 | $45.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.85 | $49.70 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.32 | $56.65 |
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.