How far is West Plains, MO from Joplin, MO?
The driving distance from West Plains, MO to Joplin, MO is about 176 miles (283.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 149.1 miles (239.9 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 Greene and Webster Counties in the U.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Plains and Joplin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Plains and Joplin.
-
1
Start on Court Square
16 m · 2 sec · Court Square
-
2
Turn left onto Court Square
1.1 km · 2 min · Court Square
-
3
Continue on Porter Wagoner Boulevard
1.1 mi · 2 min · Porter Wagoner Boulevard
-
4
Turn left onto Gibson Street
1277 ft · 22 sec · Gibson Street
-
5
Turn right onto Jan Howard Expressway
1.2 mi · 2 min · Jan Howard Expressway
-
6
Continue on Porter Wagoner Boulevard
1.2 km · 59 sec · Porter Wagoner Boulevard
-
7
Continue on Sunset Terrace
66.2 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Sunset Terrace
-
8
Continue straight
44.2 mi · 52 min
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on I 44 West: Joplin
1.3 km · 2 min
-
10
Merge slight left onto Captain Aaron J Eidem Memorial Highway
52.7 mi · 56 min · Captain Aaron J Eidem Memorial Highway
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin
8.5 mi · 17 min
-
12
Turn right onto South Main Street
48 m · 7 sec · South Main Street
-
13
Turn right
18 m · 7 sec
-
14
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
-
15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Plains 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.
Sunset Terrace
Continue on Sunset Terrace
66.2 mi · 01h 17m
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 Mostly Sunny 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 West Plains to Joplin?
The road trip is about 176 miles (283.3 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?
Rogersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.1 miles from West Plains and 88 miles from Joplin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 149.1 miles (239.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.9 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 $23.42 one way or $46.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around West Plains and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Joplin.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Plains and Joplin. Straight-line distance: 149.05 mi (239.87 km).
#1 West Plains
City in Missouri, United States
| Population | 12,383 |
| Coordinates | 36.7281200, -91.8523700 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| 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: 283 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.42 | $46.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.41 | $52.82 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.90 | $57.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.94 | $65.88 |
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.