How far is Columbia, MO from Polk, MO?
The driving distance from Columbia, MO to Polk, MO is about 133.8 miles (215.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 99.4 miles (159.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 43m 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 02h 51m.
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.
City in Miller County, Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Polk.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Polk.
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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
81.4 mi · 1 hr 38 min
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7
Turn left
5.4 mi · 10 min
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8
Continue straight
9.5 mi · 17 min
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9
Continue straight
2.1 mi · 5 min
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Polk.
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
81.4 mi · 01h 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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Columbia and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Polk.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Polk?
The road trip is about 133.8 miles (215.4 km) and usually takes 02h 51m 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?
Bagnell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66.9 miles from Columbia and 66.9 miles from Polk.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 99.4 miles (159.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.4 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 12:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.80 one way or $35.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Columbia and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Polk.
Stop Ideas Near Bagnell
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 Bagnell.
Jefferson City
Sedalia
Hermann
Warrensburg
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Polk. Straight-line distance: 99.35 mi (159.89 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 Polk
County in Missouri, United States
| Population | 732 |
| Coordinates | 37.7292000, -93.2993600 |
| Altitude | 317 |
| Country | United States |
End: Polk (-93.29936, 37.7292)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 215 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.80 | $35.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.07 | $40.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.97 | $43.93 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.03 | $50.07 |
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 · May 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.