How far is Lake Ozark, MO from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance from Lake Ozark, MO to Columbia, MO is about 72.8 miles (117.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 54.6 miles (87.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 29m 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 14m.
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.
Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Ozark and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Ozark and Columbia.
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1
Start on Bagnell Dam Boulevard
1.6 mi · 4 min · Bagnell Dam Boulevard
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2
Exit the roundabout onto Willmore Lane
952 ft · 19 sec · Willmore Lane
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
70 m · 4 sec
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4
Exit the roundabout
684 ft · 19 sec
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5
Merge slight left
13.1 mi · 14 min
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6
Turn straight
28 mi · 32 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 63 North: Columbia
26.1 mi · 29 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward MO 740
1273 ft · 33 sec
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9
Turn left onto East Stadium Boulevard
2.3 mi · 4 min · East Stadium Boulevard
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10
Turn right onto South Providence Road
1.6 km · 2 min · South Providence Road
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Providence Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake Ozark 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 straight
28 mi · 00h 32m
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 Rain Showers leaving Lake Ozark and 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 Lake Ozark to Columbia?
The road trip is about 72.8 miles (117.1 km) and usually takes 01h 14m 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 36.3 miles from Lake Ozark and 36.5 miles from Columbia.
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 18.2 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 4:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.69 one way or $19.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Lake Ozark and Showers And Thunderstorms near Columbia.
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 Lake Ozark and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 54.58 mi (87.83 km).
#1 Lake Ozark
City in Miller County, Missouri, United States
| Population | 1,853 |
| Coordinates | 38.1986400, -92.6388000 |
| Altitude | 229 |
| 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: 117 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.69 | $19.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.93 | $21.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.96 | $23.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.63 | $27.26 |
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.