How far is Columbia, MO from Carthage, MO?
The driving distance from Columbia, MO to Carthage, MO is about 222.8 miles (358.6 km), with a travel time of about 04h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 163.1 miles (262.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 37m 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 18m.
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.
City in Laclede County, Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Carthage.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Carthage.
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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
-
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
70.6 mi · 1 hr 17 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward MO 96: Avilla
2896 ft · 1 min
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13
Turn straight
37.3 mi · 44 min
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14
Turn left onto Howard Street
942 ft · 43 sec · Howard Street
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15
Turn right onto East 4th Street
79 m · 13 sec · East 4th Street
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16
Turn right onto South Grant Street
46 m · 4 sec · South Grant Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Grant Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Carthage.
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
70.6 mi · 01h 17m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Columbia and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carthage.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Carthage?
The road trip is about 222.8 miles (358.6 km) and usually takes 04h 18m 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?
Lebanon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 111.3 miles from Columbia and 111.5 miles from Carthage.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 163.1 miles (262.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 59.7 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 8:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.64 one way or $59.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 69.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Columbia and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carthage.
Stop Ideas Near Lebanon
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 Lebanon.
Jefferson City
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Carthage. Straight-line distance: 163.09 mi (262.47 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 Carthage
City in Missouri
| Population | 14,732 |
| Coordinates | 37.1764500, -94.3102200 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carthage (-94.31022, 37.17645)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 359 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.64 | $59.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $33.43 | $66.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $36.58 | $73.16 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $41.69 | $83.38 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.