How far is West Plains, MO from Jefferson City, MO?
The driving distance from West Plains, MO to Jefferson City, MO is about 160.3 miles (257.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 128.9 miles (207.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 39m 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 49m.
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.
City in Phelps County, Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Plains and Jefferson City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Plains and Jefferson City.
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1
Start on Court Square
16 m · 2 sec · Court Square
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2
Turn left onto Court Square
1.1 km · 2 min · Court Square
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3
Continue on Porter Wagoner Boulevard
1.1 mi · 2 min · Porter Wagoner Boulevard
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4
Turn left onto Gibson Street
1277 ft · 22 sec · Gibson Street
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5
Turn right onto Jan Howard Expressway
1.2 mi · 2 min · Jan Howard Expressway
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6
Continue on Porter Wagoner Boulevard
1.2 km · 59 sec · Porter Wagoner Boulevard
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7
Continue on Sunset Terrace
28.5 mi · 33 min · Sunset Terrace
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 63 North, US 60 Business: Houston, Rolla
65.8 mi · 1 hr 23 min
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9
Continue on North Bishop Avenue
87 m · 5 sec · North Bishop Avenue
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10
Keep slight left to continue on North Bishop Avenue
56 m · 3 sec · North Bishop Avenue
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11
Keep slight right to continue on Tim Bradley Way
2000 ft · 48 sec · Tim Bradley Way
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
55 m · 3 sec
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13
Exit the roundabout
7.5 mi · 11 min
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14
Turn right
7.5 mi · 10 min
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15
Turn left
44.1 mi · 57 min
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16
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
879 ft · 32 sec · Jefferson Street
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17
Turn left onto West McCarty Street
151 m · 16 sec · West McCarty Street
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18
Turn right onto Washington Street
76 m · 13 sec · Washington Street
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19
Turn right onto East Wall Way
104 m · 25 sec · East Wall Way
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Wall Way
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Plains and Jefferson City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
US 63 North
Take the exit slight right toward US 63 North, US 60 Business: Houston, Rolla
65.8 mi · 01h 23m
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 West Plains and Sunny near Jefferson City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Plains to Jefferson City?
The road trip is about 160.3 miles (257.9 km) and usually takes 02h 49m 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?
Edgar Springs is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.2 miles from West Plains and 81.1 miles from Jefferson City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 128.9 miles (207.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.4 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 12:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.31 one way or $42.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around West Plains and Sunny near Jefferson City.
Stop Ideas Near Edgar Springs
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 Edgar Springs.
Jefferson City
Hermann
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Plains and Jefferson City. Straight-line distance: 128.93 mi (207.49 km).
#1 West Plains
City in Missouri, United States
| Population | 12,383 |
| Coordinates | 36.7281200, -91.8523700 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Jefferson City
The capital of Missouri.
| Population | 42,708 |
| Coordinates | 38.5767000, -92.1735200 |
| Altitude | 192 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Wall Way (-92.173431, 38.576776)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 258 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.31 | $42.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.03 | $48.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.30 | $52.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.97 | $59.94 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.