Shrewsbury, MO to Columbia, MO is 120.1 miles and takes about 2h 28m via Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, Avenue of the Saints, and Daniel Boone Expressway, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Midwest, connecting two points in Missouri. Expect a drive that involves frequent turns and changes in road type rather than a straight shot. Given its manageable length and duration, this trip is well-suited for a single-day excursion. It's a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient way to get between these two locations without a significant time commitment.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
60 miles from Shrewsbury, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
80.7 mi
1h 35m
Avenue of the Saints
27.8 mi
33m
Daniel Boone Expressway
3.4 mi
4m
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
2 mi
2m
South Hanley Road
1.7 mi
3m
North Providence Road
1.2 mi
2m
Laclede Station Road
1 mi
1m
North Service Road
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 80.7 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Shrewsbury, MO and Columbia, MO.
1
Start on I 44
0.1 mi·9 sec·Police Officer Robert Stanze Memorial Highway
2
Take the exit
0.1 mi·24 sec
Exit 282Toward Laclede Station Road, Murdoch AvenueUse the slight right lane.
3
Turn left onto Laclede Station Road
1.0 mi·1 min·Laclede Station Road
4
Continue on South Hanley Road
1.7 mi·3 min·South Hanley Road
5
Turn left onto North Service Road
0.6 mi·1 min·North Service Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·26 sec·this road
Toward I 64 West, US 40 WestUse the left / straight lanes.
7
Merge onto I 64; US 40
3.4 mi·4 min·Daniel Boone Expressway
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on I 64; US 40; US 61
28 mi·33 min·Avenue of the Saints
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit onto US 40
0.6 mi·1 min·US 40
Exit 1AToward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas CityUse the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Merge onto I 70; US 40
81 mi·1 hr 35 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
11
Continue on I 70; US 40
2.0 mi·2 min·Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
12
Continue on I 70; US 40
0.5 mi·34 sec·Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 126Toward MO 163: Downtown
14
Turn left onto MO 163
1.2 mi·2 min·North Providence Road
15
Arrive at destination
MO 163
Trip Plan
Since this is a single-day trip covering 120.1 miles and taking just under 2.5 hours, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time. Aiming for a mid-morning departure will allow you to reach Columbia with ample daylight. With a fuel cost estimated at $19, it's wise to fill up before you leave Shrewsbury to avoid potentially higher prices along the way. Pay attention to the route's 'turn-heavy' nature; keep your navigation active to ensure you don't miss any key turns, especially when transitioning between the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, Avenue of the Saints, and Daniel Boone Expressway.
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 60 miles from Shrewsbury, MO, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.7 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 26 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60 miles or 1h 16m 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 1m
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 Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury, MO
This is one driving day of about 120.1 miles and 2h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Shrewsbury, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway for about 80.7 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 8
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 118.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in
Take the exit toward Laclede Station Road, Murdoch Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 282
Toward Laclede Station Road, Murdoch Avenue
5
3 mi into trip|~6m in|North Service Road
Turn left onto North Service Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
3.9 mi into trip|~8m in|I 64; US 40 / Daniel Boone Expressway
Merge onto I 64; US 40 / Daniel Boone Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
35.1 mi into trip|~46m in|US 40
Take the exit onto US 40 toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 1A
Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
5
118.7 mi into trip|~2h 25m in
Take the exit toward MO 163: Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 126
Toward MO 163: Downtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.78 one way
$37.55 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg42 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$20.62
$41.23
premium
$4.89
$23.11
$46.22
diesel
$5.61
$26.52
$53.03
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
36
0
$12.61
$5.76
Efficient EV
30
0
$10.51
$4.80
EV Truck/SUV
48
0
$16.81
$7.69
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Shrewsbury, MO
Afternoon
in Shrewsbury on Saturday
Local time
2:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Columbia, MO
Afternoon
in Columbia on Saturday
Local time
2:20 PM
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
11 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
2h 28m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is characterized as 'turn-heavy' and involves a mix of road types. About 67% of the route is on highways, but the overall profile suggests a local feel with frequent directional changes. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 80.7 miles on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. Be prepared for this not to be a simple interstate cruise; you'll likely navigate through varied sections of roadway as you make your way towards Columbia.
Only 3% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80.7 mi on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 120.1 miles you will encounter 8 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 0.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles (North Service Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.9 miles (I 64; US 40 / Daniel Boone Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 28m. Total distance: 120.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 80.7 miles on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Columbia, MO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles (North Service Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.9 miles (I 64; US 40 / Daniel Boone Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Gateway Arch National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Columbia, MO before heading back.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
