How far is Columbia, MO from Lake Ozark, MO?
The driving distance from Columbia, MO to Lake Ozark, MO is about 71.8 miles (115.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 54.6 miles (87.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 51m 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 25m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Cole County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Lake Ozark.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Lake Ozark.
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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
34.5 mi · 38 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 54 Business
883 ft · 25 sec
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Bagnell Dam Boulevard
35 m · 2 sec · Bagnell Dam Boulevard
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9
Exit the rotary onto Bagnell Dam Boulevard
550 ft · 13 sec · Bagnell Dam Boulevard
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Bagnell Dam Boulevard
36 m · 2 sec · Bagnell Dam Boulevard
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11
Exit the roundabout onto Bagnell Dam Boulevard
1.6 mi · 4 min · Bagnell Dam Boulevard
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Bagnell Dam Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Lake Ozark.
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 54 West
Continue straight
34.5 mi · 00h 38m
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.
Sunny leaving Columbia and Sunny near Lake Ozark.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Lake Ozark?
The road trip is about 71.8 miles (115.6 km) and usually takes 01h 25m 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?
Wardsville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 35.9 miles from Columbia and 35.9 miles from Lake Ozark.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 54.6 miles (87.8 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.58 one way or $19.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Columbia and Sunny near Lake Ozark.
Stop Ideas Near Wardsville
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 Wardsville.
Jefferson City
Hermann
Sedalia
Washington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Lake Ozark. Straight-line distance: 54.58 mi (87.83 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 Lake Ozark
City in Miller County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 1,853 |
| Coordinates | 38.1986400, -92.6388000 |
| Altitude | 229 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake Ozark (-92.6388, 38.19864)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 116 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.58 | $19.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.80 | $21.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.82 | $23.64 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.47 | $26.94 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.