Origin
Columbia, MO
Afternoon in Columbia on Sunday
Local time
2:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Columbia, MO to Belton, MO
Drive Time
2h 35m
Distance
137.4 mi
221 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 25m
★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 40m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Belton, MO
Valeria Boltneva
Trip Overview
Connecting Columbia to Belton, this 137.4-mile journey across Missouri takes approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Because of the manageable duration, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You should budget about $21 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating through the heart of the Midwest, the route utilizes the U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, and I-470. It serves as a straightforward transition between these two Missouri locales, offering a practical path for those looking to travel efficiently across the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
68.7 miles from Columbia, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your attention behind the wheel. While about 16% of the route consists of highway travel, the road feels more grounded than a standard interstate grind. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on the U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, covering 54.4 miles before the road profile shifts. As you progress, the experience moves away from open highway stretches into more technical segments, requiring you to stay alert for frequent turns. This transition keeps the drive engaging, as you aren't just cruising on a singular path for the entire duration.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 54.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 112.4 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 137.4 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 112.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.1 miles (I 470): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
112.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 3m in
Take the exit toward I 470 South, MO 291 South: Lee's Summit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 15A
Toward I 470 South, MO 291 South: Lee's Summit
7
119.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 11m in
|
I 470
Keep slight right at fork onto I 470 toward I 470 South: Wichita
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
Toward I 470 South: Wichita
8
128.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m in
Take the exit toward I 49, I 435 North, US 71: Joplin, Kansas City, Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 1
Toward I 49, I 435 North, US 71: Joplin, Kansas...
8
128.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 22m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
8
128.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
Towns Along This Route
Between Columbia, MO and Belton, MO, road signs point toward Kansas City and Des Moines.
Kansas City
128.2 mi in
|
~2h 21m
Des Moines
128.2 mi in
|
~2h 21m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway | 54.4 mi | 58m |
| Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway | 54.3 mi | 58m |
| I 470 | 15.5 mi | 18m |
| I 49 | 7 mi | 8m |
| Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway | 1.6 mi | 1m |
| North Providence Road | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| North Cedar Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
— 54.4 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, MO and Belton, MO.
1
Start on MO 163
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North Providence Road
2
Turn left
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
3
Merge onto I 70; US 40
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
4
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
5
Continue on I 70; US 40
54 mi
·
58 min
·
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
6
Continue on I 70; US 40
52 mi
·
56 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the none lane.
7
Continue on I 70
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
Use the none lane.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 15A
Toward I 470 South, MO 291 South: Lee's Summit
Use the right lane.
9
Merge onto I 470; MO 291
6.4 mi
·
7 min
·
I 470; MO 291
Use the none lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 470
9.2 mi
·
10 min
·
I 470
Toward I 470 South: Wichita
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 1
Toward I 49, I 435 North, US 71: Joplin, Kansas City, Des Moines
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 49; US 71
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
I 49; US 71
Use the none lane.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 175
Toward MO Y
16
Turn right onto East 163rd Street
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
East 163rd Street
17
Continue on North Cedar Street
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
·
North Cedar Street
18
Turn slight right
116 ft
·
5 sec
19
Turn slight right onto MO 58
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
East North Avenue
20
Turn left onto East Walnut Street
0.2 mi
·
52 sec
·
East Walnut Street
21
Arrive at destination
East Walnut Street
Trip Plan
Given the total travel time of 2 hours and 35 minutes, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure schedule, though leaving mid-morning can help you avoid peak traffic. Plan for one designated stop to stretch your legs and refresh, as the turn-heavy nature of the local sections can be more tiring than a straight interstate run. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the initial segments, as you'll want to ensure you are topped off before hitting the more winding parts of the drive. Since this is a relatively short trip, use your one stop strategically to break up the longest 54.4-mile stretch. Carrying a small amount of extra cash or a card ready for the estimated $21 fuel cost will keep your transit smooth and stress-free.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68.7 miles from Columbia, MO, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.4 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 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68.7 miles or 1h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belton, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO
This is one driving day of about 137.4 miles and 2h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Columbia, 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 U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway for about 54.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 68.7 mi from Columbia, MO · 1h 15m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
69 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 68.7 miles from Columbia, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Belton, MO
The final approach into Belton, 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 Belton, 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
$20.87 one way
$41.74 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
48 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $23.01 | $46.01 |
| premium | $4.80 | $25.94 | $51.88 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $30.53 | $61.05 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.2 | 0 | $14.43 | $6.60 |
| Efficient EV | 34.4 | 0 | $12.02 | $5.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55 | 0 | $19.24 | $8.79 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (67% 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
Belton, MO
Afternoon in Belton on Sunday
Local time
2:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
48°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
2h 35m 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 Columbia, MO to Belton, MO covers 137.4 miles and takes about 2h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, I 470. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 68.7 miles from Columbia, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.87 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 137.4 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 112.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.1 miles (I 470): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Columbia, MO and Belton, MO, road signs point toward Kansas City and Des Moines.
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