How far is Bloomington, IL from Columbia, IL?
The driving distance from Bloomington, IL to Columbia, IL is about 172.2 miles (277.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 155 miles (249.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 32m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 16m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bloomington and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bloomington and Columbia.
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1
Start on North East Street
42 m · 6 sec · North East Street
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2
Continue on North Main Street
121 m · 17 sec · North Main Street
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3
Turn left onto West Chestnut Street
83 m · 19 sec · West Chestnut Street
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4
Turn left onto North Center Street
120 m · 13 sec · North Center Street
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5
Continue on North Madison Street
858 ft · 29 sec · North Madison Street
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6
Turn right onto West Market Street
2903 ft · 1 min · West Market Street
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7
Turn left onto North Morris Avenue
1.7 mi · 4 min · North Morris Avenue
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8
Turn right onto South Veterans Parkway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · South Veterans Parkway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis
82 mi · 1 hr 29 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward I 255: Memphis, Interstate 270
1386 ft · 34 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 255 South: Memphis
1.1 mi · 2 min
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12
Merge slight left
17.2 mi · 20 min
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13
Take the exit slight left toward IL 3 South: Columbia
1.8 mi · 3 min
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14
Turn left onto North Main Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
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15
Turn right
24 m · 6 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bloomington and Columbia.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 55 South
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis
82 mi · 01h 29m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Bloomington and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Columbia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bloomington to Columbia?
The road trip is about 172.2 miles (277.1 km) and usually takes 03h 16m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Farmersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.1 miles from Bloomington and 86.1 miles from Columbia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 155 miles (249.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.2 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:28 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.93 one way or $45.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Bloomington and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Columbia.
Stop Ideas Near Farmersville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Farmersville.
Carlinville
Springfield station
Alton
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bloomington and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 155 mi (249.45 km).
#1 Bloomington
The second most populous city in McLean County, Illinois.
| Population | 77,132 |
| Coordinates | 40.4842000, -88.9936900 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Columbia
City in Illinois, United States
| Population | 10,627 |
| Coordinates | 38.4436600, -90.2012200 |
| Altitude | 153 |
| Country | United States |
End: Columbia (-90.20122, 38.44366)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 277 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.93 | $45.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.86 | $51.72 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.30 | $56.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.25 | $64.50 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Illinois · May 26, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.