Trip from Riverside, MO to Joplin, MO

Q: What are the main roads on this route?

The main roads are I 44, MO 30, MO M. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

Q: Is this a good same-day trip?

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Q: Where should I stop halfway?

The midpoint is about 138.4 miles from Riverside, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

Q: How much does gas cost for this trip?

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.29 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Q: What is the best time to leave?

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.

Q: How many breaks should I plan?

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.

Q: What towns show up on signs driving from Riverside, MO to Joplin, MO?

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

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

5h 25m

Distance

276.9 mi

446 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

19 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 12m ★

6 AM

5h 26m

8 AM

5h 52m

10 AM

5h 35m

12 PM

5h 32m

3 PM

5h 36m

5 PM

5h 51m

8 PM

5h 18m

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 Riverside, MO to Joplin, MO covers 276.9 miles and takes about 5h 25m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 44, MO 30, MO M for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 222.8 miles on I 44. At current regular gas prices, budget about $43.29 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

138.4 miles from Riverside, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 47m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 25m. Total distance: 276.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 5h 25m highway drive covering 276.9 miles, with most of the trip on I 44 and MO 30. The longest continuous stretch is about 222.8 miles on I 44.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 44 is the longest continuous segment at about 222.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 44 and MO 30. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 5.8 miles in.

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 25m drive. You will face about 15 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 5.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 268.3 miles (I 44 Business; MO 66): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

8

5.8 mi into trip | ~9m in

Take the exit toward MO M: Antonia, Barnhart

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

Use the left lane. Exit 185 Toward MO M: Antonia, Barnhart

7

45.3 mi into trip | ~1h 7m in

Take the exit toward I 44 West: Rolla

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 44 West: Rolla

8

268.3 mi into trip | ~5h 8m in | I 44 Business; MO 66

Take the exit onto I 44 Business; MO 66 toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 15 Toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin

5

276.9 mi into trip | ~5h 25m in

Turn right

Navigation decision point

5

276.9 mi into trip | ~5h 25m in

Turn right

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 44	222.8 mi	4h
MO 30	27 mi	38m
MO M	11.7 mi	17m
I 44 Business	8.5 mi	17m
I 55	3.7 mi	3m
Commercial Boulevard	0.6 mi	1m
Dow Industrial Drive	0.6 mi	2m
MO Z	0.4 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 44 — 222.8 mi, about 4h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on River

0.1 mi · 33 sec · River

2

Turn left onto Dow Industrial Drive

0.6 mi · 2 min · Dow Industrial Drive

3

Turn right onto US 61; US 67

0.6 mi · 1 min · Commercial Boulevard

4

Turn left onto MO Z

0.4 mi · 44 sec · MO Z

5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Toward I 55 North: Saint Louis

6

Merge onto I 55

3.7 mi · 3 min · I 55

7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec

Exit 185 Toward MO M: Antonia, Barnhart Use the left lane.

8

At end of road, turn left onto MO M

12 mi · 17 min · MO M

9

Turn left onto MO 30

27 mi · 38 min · MO 30

10

Continue on US Historic 66; MO 30

0.2 mi · 29 sec · West Gravois Avenue

11

Turn right onto US Historic 66; MO 30

0.2 mi · 34 sec · US Historic 66; MO 30

12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Toward I 44 West: Rolla

13

Merge onto I 44

223 mi · 4 hr · I 44

14

Take the exit onto I 44 Business; MO 66

8.5 mi · 17 min · I 44 Business; MO 66

Exit 15 Toward I 44 Business, MO 66: Duenweg, Joplin Use the straight / right lanes.

15

Turn right onto US Historic 66; MO 43

156 ft · 7 sec · South Main Street

16

Turn right

60 ft · 6 sec

17

Turn right

83 ft · 6 sec

18

Arrive at destination

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 138.4 miles from Riverside, MO, or about 2h 47m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 222.8 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 61 miles or 1h 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 138.4 miles or 2h 47m 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 23m

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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, MO

This is one driving day of about 276.9 miles and 5h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Riverside, 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 I 44 for about 222.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 138.4 mi from Riverside, MO · 2h 47m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cuba, MO

138 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

Washington, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 61 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waynesville, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 138.4 miles from Riverside, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 44 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 222.8 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.

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 end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 276.9

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 end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 276.9

Joplin, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14176231004

Visit website

The Bruncheonette

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 276.9

Joplin, Missouri

Hours: 8:30 am–2 pm

+14177813447

Visit website

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 98.9

Rolla, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 197.8

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 59.3

Sullivan, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15738608880

Visit website

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 197.8

Springfield, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 59.3

Sullivan, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 98.9

Rolla, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 138.4

Richland, Missouri

+15737753044

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 158.2

Lebanon, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

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

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 267.3

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...

9 mi from route ~21 min detour Free near mile 219.6

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...

23 mi from route ~58 min detour $19 near mile 9.5

View on nps.gov

Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Established by 1750, Ste. Geneviève was the first permanent European settlement in Missouri. Early French Canadian settlers were drawn here by the rich agricultural land known as Le Grand Champ (the B...

28 mi from route ~70 min detour Free

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$43.29 one way

$86.58 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 97 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$47.53	$95.06
premium	$4.89	$53.29	$106.57
diesel	$5.61	$61.14	$122.27

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$43

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$68–$93

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 96.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

19 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Dynamic EVC Charging Station

Republic, Missouri

Other

1 DCFC

Dynamic Charging Station

Springfield, Missouri

Other

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

Tesla Supercharger

Rolla, Missouri

Tesla

1 DCFC

Flying J EV Charging Station

Sullivan, Missouri

Other

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Joplin, Missouri

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Other: 5 Blink: 4 Tesla: 3 ChargePoint: 2 Electrify America: 2 Tesla Destination: 2 EV Connect: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	83.1	1	$29.07	$13.29
Efficient EV	69.2	0	$24.23	$11.08
EV Truck/SUV	110.8	1	$38.77	$17.72

Gas CO2

97 kg

EV CO2

32 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

Riverside, MO

Evening in Riverside on Thursday

Local time

6:46 PM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Joplin, MO

Evening in Joplin on Thursday

Local time

6:46 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

75°F

Cuba, MO

138 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 25m 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 Riverside, MO to Joplin, MO covers 276.9 miles and takes about 5h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 44, MO 30, MO M. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 138.4 miles from Riverside, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.29 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 25m drive. You will face about 15 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

The main spots that need attention: at 5.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 268.3 miles (I 44 Business; MO 66): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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

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Trip from Riverside, MO to Joplin, MO

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Joplin, MO

Nearby Places

Red Onion Cafe

Red Onion Cafe

The Bruncheonette

Stogey's Coney Island

Jimmy's Egg

Pho Saigon Vietnamese Noodle & Grill

Maria's Mexican Grill & Cantina

Granny Shaffer's Restaurant

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Flying J EV Charging Station

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

Electrify America Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

Electrify America Charging Station

National Parks Near This Route

George Washington Carver National Monument

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Gateway Arch National Park

Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Riverside, MO

Joplin, MO

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 25m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

Continue From Joplin, MO

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