How far is La Plata, MO from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance from La Plata, MO to Columbia, MO is about 78.5 miles (126.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 74.5 miles (119.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 42m 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 21m.
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.
Village in Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Plata and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Plata and Columbia.
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1
Start on East Moore Street
6 m · 6 sec · East Moore Street
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2
Turn left onto South Gex Street
844 ft · 42 sec · South Gex Street
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3
Turn left onto East Clark Street
1.1 km · 1 min · East Clark Street
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4
Turn right
71.8 mi · 1 hr 21 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward MO 763 South: Columbia
1858 ft · 40 sec
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6
Turn straight
1918 ft · 36 sec
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward MO 763 South: Columbia
60 m · 4 sec
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8
Exit the roundabout onto MO 763 South: Columbia
3.2 mi · 6 min
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9
Take the ramp slight right toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
818 ft · 20 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
937 ft · 13 sec · Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward MO 163: Downtown
747 ft · 16 sec
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12
Turn left onto North Providence Road
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Providence Road
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Providence Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Plata and Columbia.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Longest stretch
Turn right
71.8 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.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving La Plata and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Columbia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Plata to Columbia?
The road trip is about 78.5 miles (126.3 km) and usually takes 01h 21m 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 39.2 miles from La Plata and 39.3 miles from Columbia.
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 3:48 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 Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around La Plata and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Columbia.
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 La Plata and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 74.52 mi (119.93 km).
#1 La Plata
City in Macon County, Missouri
| Population | 1,303 |
| Coordinates | 40.0233700, -92.4915800 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Columbia
The most populous city in the state of Missouri.
| Population | 124,769 |
| Coordinates | 38.9517100, -92.3340700 |
| Altitude | 215 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Providence Road (-92.33414, 38.951711)
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.