How far is Columbia, MO from Carl Junction, MO?
The driving distance from Columbia, MO to Carl Junction, MO is about 244.8 miles (393.9 km), with a travel time of about 04h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 172.6 miles (277.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 22m 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 04h 41m.
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 Laclede County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Carl Junction.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Carl Junction.
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1
Start on North Providence Road
1.6 km · 2 min · North Providence Road
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2
Turn left onto East Stadium Boulevard
2.2 mi · 4 min · East Stadium Boulevard
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3
Take the ramp right toward US 63 South: Jefferson City
1033 ft · 25 sec
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4
Merge slight left
25.5 mi · 27 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 54 West, US 63 South: Jefferson City
6.6 mi · 8 min
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6
Continue straight
52.7 mi · 1 hr 1 min
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7
Take the exit right toward MO 5 South, MO 7 South: Lebanon
1203 ft · 29 sec
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8
Merge slight left
24 mi · 29 min
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9
Turn left onto North Jefferson Avenue
1.6 mi · 2 min · North Jefferson Avenue
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10
Take the exit right toward I 44 West: Springfield
731 ft · 18 sec
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11
Merge slight left
116.6 mi · 2 hr 6 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 49 South, US 71 South, MO 249 North: Neosho, Fort Smith
1447 ft · 25 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on MO 249 North
1015 ft · 22 sec
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14
Merge slight left onto Governor Warren E Hearnes Memorial Highway
5 mi · 5 min · Governor Warren E Hearnes Memorial Highway
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15
Take the exit slight left toward I 49 Business, MO 171 North: Webb City
3027 ft · 38 sec
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16
Merge slight right onto I 49 Business, MO 171 North: Webb City
1 km · 47 sec
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17
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward East MacArthur Drive
72 m · 3 sec · East MacArthur Drive
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18
Exit the roundabout onto East MacArthur Drive
1.5 km · 2 min · East MacArthur Drive
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19
Continue on West Macarthur Drive
2 mi · 3 min · West Macarthur Drive
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20
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Demott Drive
40 m · 3 sec · Demott Drive
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21
Exit the roundabout onto Demott Drive
3.1 mi · 5 min · Demott Drive
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22
Turn left onto East Pennell Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · East Pennell Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Pennell Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Carl Junction.
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 44 West
Merge slight left
117 mi · 02h 06m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Columbia and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Carl Junction.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Carl Junction?
The road trip is about 244.8 miles (393.9 km) and usually takes 04h 41m 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?
Phillipsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 122.3 miles from Columbia and 122.4 miles from Carl Junction.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 172.6 miles (277.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 72.2 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 7:38 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.58 one way or $65.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 76.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Columbia and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Carl Junction.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Carl Junction. Straight-line distance: 172.54 mi (277.68 km).
#1 Columbia
The most populous city in the state of Missouri.
| Population | 124,769 |
| Coordinates | 38.9517100, -92.3340700 |
| Altitude | 215 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Carl Junction
City in Jasper County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 8,430 |
| Coordinates | 37.1767200, -94.5655100 |
| Altitude | 273 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carl Junction (-94.56551, 37.17672)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 394 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.58 | $65.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.75 | $73.49 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $40.21 | $80.42 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $45.83 | $91.65 |
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 Missouri · Apr 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.