How far is Columbia, MO from La Plata, MO?
The driving distance from Columbia, MO to La Plata, MO is about 78.5 miles (126.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 74.5 miles (119.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 09m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 01h 34m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Village in 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 Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and La Plata.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and La Plata.
-
1
Start on North Providence Road
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Providence Road
-
2
Take the ramp slight right toward I 70 East, US 40 East: Saint Louis
879 ft · 22 sec
-
3
Merge slight left onto Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
936 ft · 13 sec · Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward MO 763
839 ft · 22 sec
-
5
Turn left onto Range Line Street
3.3 mi · 6 min · Range Line Street
-
6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward MO 763 North: Moberly
52 m · 3 sec
-
7
Exit the roundabout onto MO 763 North: Moberly
1927 ft · 36 sec
-
8
Take the ramp straight toward US 63 North: Moberly
2711 ft · 1 min
-
9
Merge slight left
71.7 mi · 1 hr 21 min
-
10
Take the exit left
31 m · 5 sec
-
11
Turn left onto East Clark Street
1.1 km · 1 min · East Clark Street
-
12
Turn right onto South Gex Street
844 ft · 39 sec · South Gex Street
-
13
Turn right onto East Moore Street
6 m · 1 sec · East Moore Street
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Moore Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and La Plata.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 63 North
Merge slight left
71.7 mi · 01h 21m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Columbia and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near La Plata.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to La Plata?
The road trip is about 78.5 miles (126.3 km) and usually takes 01h 34m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Cairo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.3 miles from Columbia and 39.2 miles from La Plata.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 74.5 miles (119.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.45 one way or $20.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.6 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 Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near La Plata.
Stop Ideas Near Cairo
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 Cairo.
La Plata
Quincy
Jefferson City
Sedalia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and La Plata. Straight-line distance: 74.52 mi (119.93 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 La Plata
City in Macon County, Missouri
| Population | 1,303 |
| Coordinates | 40.0233700, -92.4915800 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
End: La Plata (-92.49158, 40.02337)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 126 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.45 | $20.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.78 | $23.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.89 | $25.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.69 | $29.38 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.