How far is Vandalia, MO from Joplin, MO?
The driving distance from Vandalia, MO to Joplin, MO is about 280.8 miles (451.9 km), with a travel time of about 04h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 225 miles (362.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 08m 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 34m.
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 Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Vandalia and Joplin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Vandalia and Joplin.
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1
Start on North Main Street
15 m · 3 sec · North Main Street
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2
Turn right onto US 54
8.9 mi · 12 min · US 54
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward the route
74 m · 3 sec
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4
Exit the roundabout
8.1 mi · 11 min
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Scott's Corner
19 m · 1 sec
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6
Exit the rotary
10.4 mi · 14 min
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7
Turn left onto US 54 West: Jefferson City
105.6 mi · 2 hr
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8
Take the exit right toward MO 5 South, MO 7 South: Lebanon
1203 ft · 29 sec
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9
Merge slight left
24 mi · 29 min
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10
Turn left onto North Jefferson Avenue
1.6 mi · 2 min · North Jefferson Avenue
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11
Take the exit right toward I 44 West: Springfield
731 ft · 18 sec
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12
Merge slight left
113 mi · 2 hr 2 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin
8.5 mi · 17 min
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14
Turn right onto South Main Street
48 m · 7 sec · South Main Street
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15
Turn right
18 m · 7 sec
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16
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Vandalia 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
113 mi · 02h 02m
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 Vandalia and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Joplin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Vandalia to Joplin?
The road trip is about 280.8 miles (451.9 km) and usually takes 04h 34m 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?
Camdenton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 140.2 miles from Vandalia and 140.6 miles from Joplin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 225 miles (362.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 55.8 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 7:52 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.37 one way or $74.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 88.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms around Vandalia and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Joplin.
Stop Ideas Near Camdenton
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 Camdenton.
Jefferson City
Sedalia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Vandalia and Joplin. Straight-line distance: 225.02 mi (362.13 km).
#1 Vandalia
City in Audrain and Ralls Counties, Missouri, USA
| Population | 3,496 |
| Coordinates | 39.3108700, -91.4884900 |
| Altitude | 232 |
| 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: 452 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $37.37 | $74.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $42.15 | $84.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $46.12 | $92.24 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $52.56 | $105.13 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.