Trip from Joplin, MO to Maryland Heights, MO

Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology

Drive Time

5h 18m

Distance

281.8 mi

454 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$44

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 5m ★

6 AM

5h 19m

8 AM

5h 45m

10 AM

5h 28m

12 PM

5h 25m

3 PM

5h 29m

5 PM

5h 44m

8 PM

5h 10m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Trip Overview

The drive from Joplin, MO to Maryland Heights, MO covers 281.8 miles and takes about 5h 18m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Congressman Gene Taylor Highway, I 270, East 7th Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 260.4 miles on Congressman Gene Taylor Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $44.06 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

140.9 miles from Joplin, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 41m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 18m. Total distance: 281.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a 5h 18m drive with frequent turns across 281.8 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Congressman Gene Taylor Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 260.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 281.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 268.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 268.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6

0 mi into trip | ~0m in

At end of road, turn right

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

8

268.7 mi into trip | ~5h in

Take the exit toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 276 Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis

8

268.9 mi into trip | ~5h in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 270 North: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 270 North: Chicago

8

279.5 mi into trip | ~5h 14m in

Take the exit toward MO 364 West, MO D: Saint Charles, Page Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 16 Toward MO 364 West, MO D: Saint Charles, Page A...

7

279.6 mi into trip | ~5h 14m in

Keep slight right at fork toward MO D: Page Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward MO D: Page Avenue

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Congressman Gene Taylor Highway	260.4 mi	4h 42m
I 270	10 mi	12m
East 7th Street	6.8 mi	14m
Cimarron Road	0.9 mi	1m
Page Avenue	0.9 mi	1m
Schuetz Road	0.8 mi	1m
I 44 Business	0.6 mi	1m
Fee Fee Road	0.2 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Congressman Gene Taylor Highway — 260.4 mi, about 4h 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Joplin, MO and Maryland Heights, MO.

1

Start on this road

219 ft · 18 sec · this road

2

At end of road, turn right

193 ft · 19 sec

3

Turn left onto I 44 Business; MO 66

6.8 mi · 14 min · East 7th Street

4

Continue on I 44 Business; MO 66

0.9 mi · 1 min · Cimarron Road

5

Take the ramp onto I 44 Business

0.6 mi · 1 min · I 44 Business

Toward I 44 East, I 49 North, US 71 North: Springfield, Kansas City

6

Merge onto I 44; I 49; US 71

260 mi · 4 hr 42 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 18 sec

Exit 276 Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis Use the slight right lane.

8

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 11 sec

Toward I 270 North: Chicago Use the slight left lane.

9

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 52 sec · this road

Exit 276 Toward I 270 North: Chicago

10

Merge onto I 270

10 mi · 12 min · I 270

Use the straight lane.

11

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec

Exit 16 Toward MO 364 West, MO D: Saint Charles, Page Avenue Use the slight right lane.

12

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Toward MO D: Page Avenue Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

13

Merge onto MO D

0.9 mi · 1 min · Page Avenue

Use the straight lane.

14

Turn left onto Schuetz Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Schuetz Road

Use the left lane.

15

Turn right onto Fee Fee Road

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Fee Fee Road

16

Arrive at destination

Fee Fee Road

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 140.9 miles from Joplin, MO, or about 2h 41m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 260.4 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 62 miles or 1h 15m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 140.9 miles or 2h 41m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 19m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Maryland Heights, MO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Joplin, MO so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Joplin, MO

This is one driving day of about 281.8 miles and 5h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Joplin, MO.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on Congressman Gene Taylor Highway for about 260.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 140.9 mi from Joplin, MO · 2h 41m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cuba, MO

141 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Marshfield, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waynesville, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 140.9 miles from Joplin, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Congressman Gene Taylor Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 260.4 miles.

Arriving in Maryland Heights, MO

The final approach into Maryland Heights, MO usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Maryland Heights, MO.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

George Washington Carver National Monument

National Monument

The young child known as the "Plant Doctor" tended his secret garden while observing the day-to-day operations of a 19th century farm. Nature and nurture ultimately influenced George on his quest for...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free near mile 9.7

View on nps.gov

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

National Battlefield

Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and where the first Union general was killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focuse...

8 mi from route ~20 min detour Free near mile 58.3

View on nps.gov

Gateway Arch National Park

National Park

Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, a...

14 mi from route ~36 min detour $19 near mile 272.1

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$44.06 one way

$88.11 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 99 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$48.37	$96.74
premium	$4.89	$54.23	$108.46
diesel	$5.61	$62.22	$124.44

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$44

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 98.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	84.5	1	$29.59	$13.53
Efficient EV	70.5	0	$24.66	$11.27
EV Truck/SUV	112.7	1	$39.45	$18.04

Gas CO2

99 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Joplin, MO

Late night in Joplin on Friday

Local time

12:20 AM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Maryland Heights, MO

Late night in Maryland Heights on Friday

Local time

12:20 AM

CDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

75°F

Cuba, MO

141 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

1 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 18m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Joplin, MO to Maryland Heights, MO covers 281.8 miles and takes about 5h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Congressman Gene Taylor Highway, I 270, East 7th Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 140.9 miles from Joplin, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.06 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 281.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

The main spots that need attention: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 268.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 268.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

The route from Joplin, MO to Maryland Heights, MO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Yes. Nearby national parks include George Washington Carver National Monument, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and Gateway Arch National Park.

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