How far is Columbia, MO from Salem, MO?
The driving distance from Columbia, MO to Salem, MO is about 119.1 miles (191.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 100.1 miles (161.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 10m 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 35m.
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 Osage County, Missouri, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Salem.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Salem.
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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
1.5 mi · 2 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 63 South, US 50
66 m · 5 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on US 63 South, US 50
724 ft · 16 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on US 63 South, US 50 East
547 ft · 15 sec
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9
Keep slight left
12 mi · 15 min
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on US 63 South: Rolla
49.4 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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11
Turn left onto North Walnut Street
747 ft · 26 sec · North Walnut Street
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12
Continue on East 18th Street
1072 ft · 39 sec · East 18th Street
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13
Turn right onto Holloway Street
1.4 km · 3 min · Holloway Street
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14
At the end of the road, turn left onto Salem Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · Salem Avenue
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15
Turn left
2.3 mi · 4 min
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16
Continue straight
21.2 mi · 27 min
-
17
Turn left
1.4 mi · 3 min
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18
Turn left onto West 4th Street
1270 ft · 35 sec · West 4th Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Salem.
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 South
Keep slight right to continue on US 63 South: Rolla
49.4 mi · 01h 04m
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 Salem.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Salem?
The road trip is about 119.1 miles (191.6 km) and usually takes 02h 35m 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?
Freeburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.5 miles from Columbia and 59.5 miles from Salem.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 100.1 miles (161.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 19 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 1:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.84 one way or $31.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Columbia and Sunny near Salem.
Stop Ideas Near Freeburg
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 Freeburg.
Jefferson City
Hermann
Washington
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Salem. Straight-line distance: 100.08 mi (161.07 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 Salem
City in Missouri, United States
| Population | 4,874 |
| Coordinates | 37.6456000, -91.5359800 |
| Altitude | 361 |
| Country | United States |
End: Salem (-91.53598, 37.6456)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 192 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.84 | $31.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.86 | $35.73 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.55 | $39.09 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.28 | $44.55 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.