Origin
Columbia, MO
Afternoon in Columbia on Sunday
Local time
3:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Columbia, MO to Cabool, MO
Drive Time
3h 17m
Distance
155.5 mi
250 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 6m
★
6 AM
3h 18m
8 AM
3h 41m
10 AM
3h 26m
12 PM
3h 24m
3 PM
3h 27m
5 PM
3h 40m
8 PM
3h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cabool, MO
Collab Media
Trip Overview
Traveling from Columbia to Cabool covers 155.5 miles of Missouri countryside, typically taking about 3 hours and 17 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $24 on fuel, making this an affordable excursion within the Midwest. Your path primarily utilizes US 63, North Bishop Avenue, and MO A to navigate between these two points. Whether you are heading south for business or a visit, the trip is straightforward and manageable for most drivers. It serves as a reliable link through the heart of the state, connecting the Columbia area to the more southerly reaches of Missouri.
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
77.7 miles from Columbia, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .
Drive Character
This mixed-drive route offers a blend of road types, with about 47% of your travel occurring on highways. You will spend the bulk of your time on US 63, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 71.9 miles that allows for steady cruising. As you transition from the main highway onto North Bishop Avenue and MO A, the driving experience shifts from high-speed transit to more localized travel. Expect the character of the road to change as you move away from the busier stretches and into the calmer, smaller-road segments. Staying focused during that long primary stretch is key to maintaining a smooth pace before you navigate the final turn onto state routes.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 63 is the longest continuous segment at about 71.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 28.8 miles in near US 63.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 155.5 miles you will encounter 15 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 28.8 miles (US 63): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.3 miles (US 63): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.4 miles (US 63): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
28.8 mi into trip
|
~33m in
|
US 63
Take the exit onto US 63 toward US 54 West, US 63 South: Jefferson City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 54 West, US 63 South: Jefferson City
5
30.3 mi into trip
|
~35m in
|
US 63
Take the exit onto US 63 toward US 63 South, US 50
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 63 South, US 50
7
30.4 mi into trip
|
~35m in
|
US 63
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63 toward US 63 South, US 50
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 63 South, US 50
9
30.5 mi into trip
|
~36m in
|
US 63
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63 toward US 63 South, US 50 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 63 South, US 50 East
5
42.6 mi into trip
|
~51m in
|
US 63
Keep slight right at fork onto US 63 toward US 63 South: Rolla
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 63 South: Rolla
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 63 | 71.9 mi | 1h 28m |
| North Bishop Avenue | 64.3 mi | 1h 20m |
| MO A | 7.5 mi | 10m |
| MO E | 7.5 mi | 10m |
| East Stadium Boulevard | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| North Providence Road | 1 mi | 2m |
| US 60 Business | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Tim Bradley Way | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 63
— 71.9 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, MO and Cabool, MO.
1
Start on MO 163
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North Providence Road
2
Turn left onto MO 740
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
East Stadium Boulevard
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward US 63 South: Jefferson City
4
Merge onto US 63
25 mi
·
27 min
·
US 63
5
Take the exit onto US 63
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
US 63
Toward US 54 West, US 63 South: Jefferson City
6
Take the exit onto US 63
217 ft
·
4 sec
·
US 63
Toward US 63 South, US 50
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
US 63
Toward US 63 South, US 50
8
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
US 63
Toward US 63 South, US 50 East
Use the slight left lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 63
12 mi
·
14 min
·
US 63
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 63
33 mi
·
43 min
·
US 63
Toward US 63 South: Rolla
11
Turn right onto MO A
7.5 mi
·
10 min
·
MO A
12
Turn straight onto MO E
7.5 mi
·
10 min
·
MO E
13
Enter roundabout onto MO E
62 ft
·
1 sec
·
Tim Bradley Way
14
Continue on MO E
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
Tim Bradley Way
Use the left / none lanes.
15
Turn slight right onto I 44 Business; US Historic 66; US 63
30 ft
·
0 sec
·
North Bishop Avenue
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44 Business; US Historic 66; US 63
145 ft
·
2 sec
·
North Bishop Avenue
17
Continue on I 44 Business; US Historic 66; US 63
64 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
North Bishop Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
18
Turn right onto US 60 Business
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
·
US 60 Business
Use the right lane.
19
Turn right
120 ft
·
8 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For the best experience, plan your departure to avoid peak traffic times in Columbia, as this will help you maintain a consistent pace for the duration of the 3-hour and 17-minute drive. Since the trip involves only one planned stop, use that break strategically to refuel and stretch your legs, especially since you are budgeting $24 for gas. The flexibility of this shorter route is a major advantage, allowing you to adjust your departure time based on your personal schedule rather than needing to race against the sun. Keep a close eye on your navigation when transitioning from US 63 to the local MO A, as the shift from a major highway to a smaller road can happen quickly. Having your route mapped out before you leave ensures you stay on track throughout the entire 155.5-mile journey.
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 77.7 miles from Columbia, MO, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.9 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 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.7 miles or 1h 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 2h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cabool, 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 155.5 miles and 3h 17m.
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 US 63 for about 71.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 77.7 mi from Columbia, MO · 1h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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 77.7 miles from Columbia, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 63 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.9 miles.
Arriving in Cabool, MO
The final approach into Cabool, 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 Cabool, 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
$23.62 one way
$47.24 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $26.04 | $52.07 |
| premium | $4.80 | $29.36 | $58.71 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $34.55 | $69.09 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.7 | 0 | $16.33 | $7.46 |
| Efficient EV | 38.9 | 0 | $13.61 | $6.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.2 | 0 | $21.77 | $9.95 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Cabool, MO
Afternoon in Cabool on Sunday
Local time
3:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°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
8 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
3h 17m 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 Cabool, MO covers 155.5 miles and takes about 3h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 63, North Bishop Avenue, MO A. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 77.7 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 $23.62 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 155.5 miles you will encounter 15 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 28.8 miles (US 63): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.3 miles (US 63): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.4 miles (US 63): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Columbia, MO to Cabool, MO does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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