Origin
Camdenton, MO
Morning in Camdenton on Saturday
Local time
6:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Camdenton, MO to Columbia, MO
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 45m
Distance
89.5 mi
144 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 37m
★
6 AM
1h 45m
8 AM
2h 1m
10 AM
1h 51m
12 PM
1h 49m
3 PM
1h 51m
5 PM
2h 0m
8 PM
1h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Camdenton, MO
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Camdenton to Columbia is 89.5 miles and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes via US 54 and US 63, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest region, specifically within Missouri, making it a straightforward local trip. It's a highway-focused route, meaning you'll spend most of your time on well-maintained roads designed for efficient travel. With a duration under two hours and a low fuel cost, this is a perfect option for a short, easy day trip when you want to get from point A to point B without much fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
44.8 miles from Camdenton, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 45m. Total distance: 89.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 96% of the route utilizing major roads like US 54 and US 63. You'll experience the longest uninterrupted stretch of 59.9 miles on US 54, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your journey. The drive progresses through familiar Midwest landscapes, largely maintaining a high-speed highway feel for most of the 89.5 miles. Expect smooth sailing on these well-trafficked routes, making for a predictable and efficient transit.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 7 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 54 is the longest continuous segment at about 59.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 54 and US 63. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 59.9 miles in near US 63.
Driving Effort
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from Camdenton, MO to Columbia, MO is easy. At 1h 45m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 59.9 miles (US 63): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 86 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
2 of 2 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
59.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
|
US 63
Take the exit onto US 63 toward US 63 North: Columbia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward US 63 North: Columbia
4
86 mi into trip
|
~1h 38m in
Take the exit toward MO 740
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward MO 740
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 54 | 59.9 mi | 1h 9m |
| US 63 | 26.1 mi | 28m |
| East Stadium Boulevard | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| South Providence Road | 1 mi | 2m |
| North Providence Road | — | — |
Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.
Longest stretch:
US 54
— 59.9 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Camdenton, MO and Columbia, MO.
1
Start on US 54
32 mi
·
37 min
·
US 54
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Turn straight onto US 54
28 mi
·
32 min
·
US 54
3
Take the exit onto US 63
26 mi
·
28 min
·
US 63
Toward US 63 North: Columbia
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Toward MO 740
5
Turn left onto MO 740
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
East Stadium Boulevard
6
Turn right onto MO 163
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
South Providence Road
7
Arrive at destination
MO 163
Trip Plan
Given the short duration of about 1 hour 45 minutes, you have considerable flexibility with your departure time. Aiming for a mid-morning start allows you to avoid early rush hour and arrive in Columbia with plenty of the day left. Since the longest stretch without a major turn is 59.9 miles on US 54, consider a quick stop for fuel or a snack just before embarking on that segment if needed. With a fuel cost estimated at $14, this trip is budget-friendly, and there's no need to split the drive; just make sure your vehicle is topped off before you leave Camdenton.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 44.8 miles from Camdenton, MO, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.9 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 20 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 44.8 miles or 52m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Columbia, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Camdenton, MO so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Camdenton, MO
This is one driving day of about 89.5 miles and 1h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Camdenton, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 54 for about 59.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 44.8 mi from Camdenton, MO · 52m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
45 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 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 44.8 miles from Camdenton, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Columbia, MO
The final approach into Columbia, MO usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.99 one way
$27.98 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
31 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $15.36 | $30.73 |
| premium | $4.89 | $17.22 | $34.45 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $19.76 | $39.52 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 31.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 26.8 | 0 | $9.40 | $4.30 |
| Efficient EV | 22.4 | 0 | $7.83 | $3.58 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 35.8 | 0 | $12.53 | $5.73 |
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (68% 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
Columbia, MO
Morning in Columbia on Saturday
Local time
6:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
2 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
1h 45m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Camdenton, MO to Columbia, MO covers 89.5 miles and takes about 1h 45m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 54, US 63, East Stadium Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 44.8 miles from Camdenton, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.99 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
The drive from Camdenton, MO to Columbia, MO is easy. At 1h 45m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 59.9 miles (US 63): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 86 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
The route from Camdenton, MO to Columbia, MO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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