Joplin, MO Road Trips

With 4 routes heading out and 14 heading in, Joplin, MO works well as a launching point in the Midwest. Routes from here tend to cover serious ground — the average trip runs 268 miles, so plan for multi-day adventures. Most routes from Joplin, MO head east, giving the route network a clear directional lean.

Photo: Miloš Steklý

Trip Routes

18

Longest Drive

352 mi

Caruthersville, MO

Quickest Drive

14m

Carl Junction, MO

Plan Around Joplin, MO

Popular Incoming Routes

Useful if Joplin, MO is the arrival point and you want the strongest routes into the city first.

Caruthersville, MO to Joplin, MO 352 mi · 5h 36m Malden, MO to Joplin, MO 288.7 mi · 4h 47m St. Louis, MO to Joplin, MO 284.9 mi · 4h 19m Clayton, MO to Joplin, MO 284.2 mi · 4h 18m

Continue From Joplin, MO

Good next legs if this city is only one stop in a longer road trip.

Joplin, MO to Castor, MO 304.3 mi · 6h 13m Joplin, MO to Malden, MO 288.8 mi · 5h 56m Joplin, MO to Clayton, MO 279.5 mi · 5h 17m Joplin, MO to California, MO 197.6 mi · 3h 57m

Trips from Joplin, MO

Joplin, MO to Castor, MO

304.3 mi 6h 13m

Joplin, MO to Malden, MO

288.8 mi 5h 56m

Joplin, MO to Clayton, MO

279.5 mi 5h 17m

Joplin, MO to California, MO

197.6 mi 3h 57m

Driving from Joplin, MO

Expect an average of 268 miles and about 5h 21m behind the wheel when leaving Joplin, MO. This is long-haul territory. Most routes stretch past the 250-mile mark, so pack snacks and plan fuel stops. The longest mapped route runs 304 miles (6h 13m), while the shortest is just 198 miles.

Popular Destinations

The most popular drives from Joplin, MO include Castor, MO (304.3 mi, 6h 13m), Malden, MO (288.8 mi, 5h 56m), Clayton, MO (279.5 mi, 5h 17m), and California, MO (197.6 mi, 3h 57m). Most destinations stay within the same state, perfect for exploring the local region thoroughly.

Planning & Costs

Regular gas in MO currently averages around $3.77 per gallon. For the typical 268-mile trip from Joplin, MO, budget about $40 in fuel one way, assuming 25 MPG. Longer hauls and premium fuel will cost proportionally more.

Most trips take a half-day, so a morning start gets you there in time for lunch or an afternoon of exploring. Routes tend to go east, so afternoon departures put the sun at your back on the return leg.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 4 mapped routes leaving Joplin, MO and 14 routes heading into Joplin, MO, covering 18 total connections. Distances range from 198 to 304 miles.

The longest mapped route from Joplin, MO covers 304 miles and takes approximately 6h 13m. Shorter options start at just 198 miles.

The average route from Joplin, MO runs about 268 miles with a drive time of roughly 5h 21m. This includes both short day trips and longer multi-day drives.

At current gas prices (about $3.77/gallon for regular), the average 268-mile trip from Joplin, MO costs roughly $40 in fuel one way, based on 25 MPG. Your actual cost depends on your vehicle's efficiency.

The most popular road trip destinations from Joplin, MO include Castor, MO, Malden, MO, Clayton, MO and California, MO. Each route page has detailed drive times, fuel estimates, stop suggestions, and turn-by-turn directions.