Origin
Marshall, MO
Afternoon in Marshall on Sunday
Local time
3:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Marshall, MO to Joplin, MO
Drive Time
4h 16m
Distance
203.7 mi
328 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 3m
★
6 AM
4h 16m
8 AM
4h 43m
10 AM
4h 26m
12 PM
4h 23m
3 PM
4h 27m
5 PM
4h 42m
8 PM
4h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Marshall, MO
Chris Duan
Joplin, MO
Miloš Steklý
Trip Overview
Spanning 203.7 miles across the Missouri heartland, this route connects Marshall to Joplin in approximately 4 hours and 16 minutes. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that fits perfectly into a single day of travel. You can expect to spend roughly $31 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly option for a regional trip. Because the drive is contained within the Midwest, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you transition between these two Missouri hubs. While it is certainly manageable in one go, planning for at least one stop will keep you refreshed behind the wheel. Use this route if you are looking for a direct, efficient way to reach your destination without the complexity of winding backroads.
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
101.9 miles from Marshall, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .
Drive Character
With 91% of the journey spent on highways, this trip is designed for steady, consistent progress. You will navigate a combination of US 65, US 54, and I-49, moving from smaller arterial roads to major interstate travel. Be prepared for a long haul early on, as the longest uninterrupted stretch covers 60.9 miles on US 65. The character of the road shifts from regional highway driving to the faster-paced flow of the interstate system as you approach the final leg toward Joplin. It is a practical, utilitarian drive that prioritizes speed and efficiency over technical maneuvering or frequent turns.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 65 is the longest continuous segment at about 60.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 65 and US 54. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 64.3 miles in near MO 83 / Blue Branch Road.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 203.7 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 64.3 miles (MO 83 / Blue Branch Road): Navigation decision point; at 65.4 miles (MO 83): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 188.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
64.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
|
MO 83 / Blue Branch Road
Turn left onto MO 83 / Blue Branch Road
Navigation decision point
5
65.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 24m in
|
MO 83
Turn sharp right onto MO 83
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
6
188.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 53m in
Take the exit toward MO 571 South, MO 96, I 49 Business, MO 171 North: Webb City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 53
Toward MO 571 South, MO 96, I 49 Business, MO 1...
6
195.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 1m in
|
I 49 Business; MO 171
Keep slight right at fork onto I 49 Business; MO 171 toward I 49 Business, MO 171 North: Webb City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 49 Business, MO 171 North: Webb City
5
196.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 2m in
|
I 49 Business; MO 171 / East MacArthur Drive
Enter roundabout onto I 49 Business; MO 171 / East MacArthur Drive
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 65 | 60.9 mi | 1h 14m |
| US 54 | 51.6 mi | 1h 5m |
| I 49 | 48.2 mi | 51m |
| MO 83 | 24.1 mi | 33m |
| Edward F. Dixon III Memorial Highway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| North Main Street Road | 4.1 mi | 8m |
| North Odell Avenue | 3 mi | 7m |
| West Macarthur Drive | 2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
US 65
— 60.9 mi, about 1h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Marshall, MO and Joplin, MO.
1
Start on US 65 Bus
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
East Eastwood Street
2
Turn right onto US 65 Bus
3.0 mi
·
7 min
·
North Odell Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward US 65 South
4
Merge onto US 65
61 mi
·
1 hr 14 min
·
US 65
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
6
Turn left onto MO 83
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Blue Branch Road
7
Continue on MO 83
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
MO 83
8
Turn sharp right onto MO 83
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
MO 83
9
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 83
22 mi
·
29 min
·
MO 83
10
At end of road, turn right onto US 54
52 mi
·
1 hr 5 min
·
US 54
11
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
24 sec
12
Merge onto I 49; US 71
48 mi
·
51 min
·
I 49; US 71
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 53
Toward MO 571 South, MO 96, I 49 Business, MO 171 North: Webb City
14
Turn right onto I 49 Business; MO 96; MO 171
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Edward F. Dixon III Memorial Highway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 49 Business; MO 171
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
I 49 Business; MO 171
Toward I 49 Business, MO 171 North: Webb City
16
Enter roundabout onto I 49 Business; MO 171
235 ft
·
3 sec
·
East MacArthur Drive
17
Continue on I 49 Business; MO 171
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East MacArthur Drive
18
Continue on MO 171
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
West Macarthur Drive
19
Enter roundabout onto MO 43
254 ft
·
6 sec
·
North Main Street Road
20
Continue on MO 43
4.0 mi
·
8 min
·
North Main Street Road
21
Turn left
60 ft
·
6 sec
22
Turn right
83 ft
·
6 sec
23
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 16-minute travel window, consider departing early in the morning to avoid midday traffic fluctuations. Since you have only one planned stop, time it strategically after the lengthy 60.9-mile stretch on US 65 to give yourself a meaningful break. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the initial highway segments, as the $31 estimated cost assumes steady highway speeds. The flexibility of a one-day trip allows you to adjust your departure time based on local conditions without needing overnight accommodations. For the best experience, use your single stop to transition from the regional highway portions onto the I-49 corridor, ensuring you are fully alert before merging into higher-speed traffic.
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 101.9 miles from Marshall, MO, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.9 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 80 miles or 1h 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 101.9 miles or 2h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Joplin, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Marshall, 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 Marshall, MO
This is one driving day of about 203.7 miles and 4h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Marshall, 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 US 65 for about 60.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 101.9 mi from Marshall, MO · 2h 13m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
102 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 101.9 miles from Marshall, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 60.9 miles.
Arriving in Joplin, MO
The final approach into Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.94 one way
$61.88 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
71 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $34.11 | $68.22 |
| premium | $4.80 | $38.45 | $76.91 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $45.26 | $90.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.1 | 0 | $21.39 | $9.78 |
| Efficient EV | 50.9 | 0 | $17.82 | $8.15 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 81.5 | 1 | $28.52 | $13.04 |
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Joplin, MO
Afternoon in Joplin on Sunday
Local time
3:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
54°F
Nevada, MO
102 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
10 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
4h 16m 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 Marshall, MO to Joplin, MO covers 203.7 miles and takes about 4h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 65, US 54, I 49. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 101.9 miles from Marshall, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.94 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 203.7 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 64.3 miles (MO 83 / Blue Branch Road): Navigation decision point; at 65.4 miles (MO 83): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 188.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Marshall, MO to Joplin, MO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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