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Trip from Joplin, MO to Sunset Hills, MO

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

5h 6m

Distance

271.7 mi

437 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$42

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

21 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 53m ★
6 AM
5h 7m
8 AM
5h 34m
10 AM
5h 16m
12 PM
5h 14m
3 PM
5h 18m
5 PM
5h 33m
8 PM
4h 59m

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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city in southern Jasper County and northern Newton County, Missouri, USA

Joplin, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Joplin, MO to Sunset Hills, MO covers 271.7 miles and takes about 5h 6m 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, East 7th Street, Cimarron Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 260.6 miles on Congressman Gene Taylor Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $42.48 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

135.8 miles from Joplin, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 6m. Total distance: 271.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

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

Drive Character

Expect a 5h 6m drive with frequent turns across 271.7 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 14 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 260.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 5h 6m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 7.7 miles (I 44 Business): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.3 miles (I 44; I 49; US 71 / Congressman Gene Taylor Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 8 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

4
7.7 mi into trip | ~15m in | I 44 Business

Take the ramp onto I 44 Business toward I 44 East, I 49 North, US 71 North: Springfield, Kansas City

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 44 East, I 49 North, US 71 North: Spri...
5
8.3 mi into trip | ~17m in | I 44; I 49; US 71 / Congressman Gene Taylor Highway

Merge onto I 44; I 49; US 71 / Congressman Gene Taylor Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
269 mi into trip | ~5h in | US Historic 66

Take the exit onto US Historic 66 toward MO 366 East: Watson Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 277A Toward MO 366 East: Watson Road
7
269.2 mi into trip | ~5h in | US Historic 66

Keep slight right at fork onto US Historic 66 toward MO 366 East: Watson Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward MO 366 East: Watson Road

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Congressman Gene Taylor Highway 260.6 mi 4h 43m
East 7th Street 6.8 mi 14m
Cimarron Road 0.9 mi 1m
Rott Road 0.8 mi 2m
US Historic 66 0.8 mi 1m
Robyn Road 0.8 mi 2m
I 44 Business 0.6 mi 1m
Robyn Hills Drive 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Congressman Gene Taylor Highway — 260.6 mi, about 4h 43m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Joplin, MO and Sunset Hills, 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

261 mi · 4 hr 43 min · Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit onto US Historic 66

0.3 mi · 20 sec · US Historic 66
Exit 277A Toward MO 366 East: Watson Road Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto US Historic 66

0.6 mi · 1 min · US Historic 66
Toward MO 366 East: Watson Road Use the slight right lane.
9

Turn right

150 ft · 4 sec
Toward Rott Road
10

Turn straight onto South Geyer Road

456 ft · 15 sec · South Geyer Road
11

Turn right onto Rott Road

0.8 mi · 2 min · Rott Road
12

Continue on Robyn Road

0.8 mi · 2 min · Robyn Road
13

Turn left onto Robyn Hills Drive

0.1 mi · 27 sec · Robyn Hills Drive
14

Arrive at destination

Robyn Hills Drive

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 135.8 miles from Joplin, MO, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 260.6 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 60 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 135.8 miles or 2h 35m 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 10m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sunset Hills, 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 271.7 miles and 5h 6m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 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 260.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 135.8 mi from Joplin, MO · 2h 35m into the drive

city in and the county seat of Pulaski County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waynesville, MO

136 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 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waynesville, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 135.8 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 260.6 miles.

Arriving in Sunset Hills, MO

The final approach into Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Red Onion Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Joplin, Missouri

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14176231004

Visit website

The Bruncheonette

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Joplin, Missouri

0.7 mi

Stogey's Coney Island

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Joplin, Missouri

1.6 mi

Red Onion Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Joplin, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14176231004

Visit website

The Bruncheonette

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Joplin, Missouri

Hours: 8:30 am–2 pm

+14177813447

Visit website

Stogey's Coney Island

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Joplin, Missouri

Hours: 10:45 am–8 pm

+14176232020

TK's Pizza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 155.2

St Robert, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15733363278

Visit website

Jimmy's Egg

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Joplin, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+14175532992

Visit website

Pho Saigon Vietnamese Noodle & Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Joplin, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+14176279966

Visit website

Maria's Mexican Grill & Cantina

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Joplin, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14176248882

Visit website

Granny Shaffer's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Joplin, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm

+14176599393

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 77.6

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 77.6

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 155.2

St Robert, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 174.6

Rolla, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Dynamic Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 77.6

Springfield, Missouri

+18332172197

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 77.6

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 97

Marshfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 77.6

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

George Washington Carver National Monument

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 ~16 min detour Free near mile 9.4
View on nps.gov
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

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 ~21 min detour Free near mile 65.6
View on nps.gov
Gateway Arch National Park

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...

13 mi from route ~33 min detour $19 near mile 271.7
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$42.48 one way

$84.95 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 95 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $46.64 $93.28
premium $4.89 $52.29 $104.57
diesel $5.61 $59.99 $119.98

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$42

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$67–$92

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 95.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

21 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Dynamic EVC Charging Station

Republic, Missouri

Other

1 DCFC

Dynamic Charging Station

Springfield, Missouri

Other

1 DCFC

Blink Charging Station

Marshfield, Missouri

Blink

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Springfield, Missouri

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Springfield, Missouri

Tesla

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Springfield, Missouri

Tesla

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

St Robert, Missouri

Tesla

1 DCFC

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

Springfield, Missouri

Other

1 DCFC

Blink: 6 Other: 4 Tesla: 4 ChargePoint: 3 EV Connect: 2 Tesla Destination: 2

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 81.5 1 $28.53 $13.04
Efficient EV 67.9 0 $23.77 $10.87
EV Truck/SUV 108.7 1 $38.04 $17.39

Gas CO2

95 kg

EV CO2

32 kg (66% 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

Afternoon in Joplin on Thursday

Local time

4:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sunset Hills, MO

Afternoon in Sunset Hills on Thursday

Local time

4:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

76°F

Waynesville, MO

136 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

22 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 6m 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 Sunset Hills, MO covers 271.7 miles and takes about 5h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Congressman Gene Taylor Highway, East 7th Street, Cimarron Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 135.8 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 $42.48 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 straightforward 5h 6m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 7.7 miles (I 44 Business): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.3 miles (I 44; I 49; US 71 / Congressman Gene Taylor Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Joplin, MO to Sunset Hills, MO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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