How far is Polk, MO from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance from Polk, MO to Columbia, MO is about 134.7 miles (216.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 99.4 miles (159.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 40m 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 20m.
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.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Polk and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Polk and Columbia.
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1
Start on the route
2.1 mi · 5 min
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2
Continue straight
9.5 mi · 17 min
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3
Continue straight
5.4 mi · 10 min
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4
Turn right onto US Highway 54
60 mi · 1 hr 13 min · US Highway 54
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5
Turn straight
28 mi · 32 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 63 North: Columbia
26.1 mi · 29 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MO 740
1273 ft · 33 sec
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8
Turn left onto East Stadium Boulevard
2.3 mi · 4 min · East Stadium Boulevard
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9
Turn right onto South Providence Road
1.6 km · 2 min · South Providence Road
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Providence Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Polk and Columbia.
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 Highway 54
Turn right onto US Highway 54
60 mi · 01h 13m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Polk and 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 Polk to Columbia?
The road trip is about 134.7 miles (216.8 km) and usually takes 02h 20m 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 67.2 miles from Polk and 67.4 miles from Columbia.
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 35.3 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 1:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.91 one way or $35.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Polk and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Columbia.
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 Polk and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 99.35 mi (159.89 km).
#1 Polk
County in Missouri, United States
| Population | 732 |
| Coordinates | 37.7292000, -93.2993600 |
| Altitude | 317 |
| 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: 217 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 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 | $17.91 | $35.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.20 | $40.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.11 | $44.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.19 | $50.39 |
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 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.