Joplin to Pevely is 275.7 miles and takes about 5h 22m via Congressman Gene Taylor Highway, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Missouri, moving from the Midwest region's western edge toward its center. Expect mostly surface roads for this drive, offering a more local feel than interstate travel. With just one recommended stop and a single day needed, this route is straightforward for anyone looking to travel across the state efficiently.
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
137.8 miles from Joplin, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
223.1 mi
4h 1m
East Gravois Avenue
27 mi
38m
MO MM
11.6 mi
17m
East 7th Street
6.8 mi
14m
Jeff McBride Memorial Highway
3.7 mi
3m
Cimarron Road
0.9 mi
1m
I 44 Business
0.6 mi
1m
County Road
0.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
— 223.1 mi, about 4h 1m
Traffic on I-44
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,432 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,709
Quietest
2 AM
~177 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joplin, MO and Pevely, 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
223 mi·4 hr 1 min·Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Exit 239Toward MO WW, MO AB, MO 30: Saint Clair
8
Turn right onto US Historic 66; MO 30
0.1 mi·21 sec·US Historic 66; MO 30
9
Continue on US Historic 66; MO 30
0.2 mi·24 sec·West Gravois Avenue
10
Take the exit
190 ft·4 sec
Toward MO 30, MO 47
11
Merge onto MO 30; MO 47
27 mi·38 min·East Gravois Avenue
12
Turn right onto MO MM
12 mi·17 min·MO MM
13
Take the exit
181 ft·5 sec
Use the right lane.
14
Turn right onto Metropolitan Boulevard
0.1 mi·14 sec·Metropolitan Boulevard
15
Enter roundabout
216 ft·9 sec
Toward I 55 South: Cape Girardeau
16
Continue
0.2 mi·10 sec
Toward I 55 South: Cape Girardeau
17
Merge onto I 55
3.7 mi·3 min·Jeff McBride Memorial Highway
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 180Toward MO Z: Pevely
19
Turn left onto MO Z
0.3 mi·36 sec·MO Z
20
Turn right onto County Road
0.3 mi·1 min·County Road
21
Turn left onto Main Street
291 ft·15 sec·Main Street
22
Turn right onto Elm Street
209 ft·9 sec·Elm Street
23
Arrive at destination
Elm Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a single-day trip of about 5.5 hours, leaving in the morning will give you plenty of time to reach Pevely without feeling rushed. You'll want to plan for your single recommended stop strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you need a break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $42, and surface roads can sometimes mean less frequent or more spread-out gas stations. The longest stretch without a major road change is over 223 miles, so ensure you're comfortable driving that distance on non-highway roads before you depart.
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 137.8 miles from Joplin, MO, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 223.1 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 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.8 miles or 2h 37m 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 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pevely, 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 275.7 miles and 5h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 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 223.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 270.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in
At end of road, turn right
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
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.
6
231.5 mi into trip|~4h 18m in
Take the exit toward MO WW, MO AB, MO 30: Saint Clair
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 239
Toward MO WW, MO AB, MO 30: Saint Clair
6
232 mi into trip|~4h 19m in
Take the exit toward MO 30, MO 47
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MO 30, MO 47
6
270.8 mi into trip|~5h 15m in
Enter roundabout toward I 55 South: Cape Girardeau
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Toward I 55 South: Cape Girardeau
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.84 one way
$91.68 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg97 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$49.93
$99.86
premium
$5.18
$56.26
$112.52
diesel
$5.35
$58.07
$116.14
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.7
1
$28.95
$13.23
Efficient EV
68.9
0
$24.12
$11.03
EV Truck/SUV
110.3
1
$38.60
$17.64
Gas CO2
96 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 May 31, 2026
Origin
Joplin, MO
Afternoon
in Joplin on Wednesday
Local time
3:35 PM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 8 mph23% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued May 30 at 8:51PM CDT until May 30 at 9:15PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 30 at 8:34PM CDT until June 1 at 5:08PM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
Destination
Pevely, MO
Afternoon
in Pevely on Wednesday
Local time
3:35 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
E 3 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued May 30 at 8:51PM CDT until May 30 at 9:15PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 30 at 8:34PM CDT until June 1 at 5:08PM CDT by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
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
5 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 22m 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.
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...
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...
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...
24 mi from route
~59 min detour
$19
near mile 266.2
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
~71 min detour
Free
near mile 275.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is almost entirely on surface roads, with 0% highway travel. You'll spend the vast majority of your time on Congressman Gene Taylor Highway, covering a continuous 223.1 miles. The route progresses through East Gravois Avenue and MO MM, indicating a shift to local thoroughfares. Be prepared for varied speeds and potential traffic depending on the towns you pass through.
Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 223.1 mi on Congressman Gene Taylor Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
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 Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 5h 22m drive. You will face about 19 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 8.3 miles (I 44; I 49; US 71 / Congressman Gene Taylor Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 231.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Joplin is in Southwest Missouri. It's mentioned in the song "Route 66". Joplin is the "hub" of the southwest corner of Missouri, southeast Kansas, and northeast Oklahoma. The population of Joplin in 2020 was 51,762, but, with several "suburbs" around Joplin, the population of the Joplin metro area was over 210,077.
Top landmarks
•Bonnie & Clyde Garage Apartment — house in Joplin, United States of America
•Joplin Downtown Historic District — building in Missouri, United States
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 223.1 miles on Congressman Gene Taylor Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 27 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 27 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 8.3 miles (I 44; I 49; US 71 / Congressman Gene Taylor Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 231.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — George Washington Carver National Monument, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and Gateway Arch National Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Pevely, MO before the return drive.
