How far is Salem, MO from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance from Salem, MO to Columbia, MO is about 120 miles (193.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 100.1 miles (161.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 23m 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 11m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Salem and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salem and Columbia.
-
1
Start on East 4th Street
1270 ft · 37 sec · East 4th Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto North McArthur Avenue
139 m · 13 sec · North McArthur Avenue
-
3
Continue on West Rolla Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · West Rolla Street
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4
Turn right
23.5 mi · 31 min
-
5
Turn right onto Salem Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · Salem Avenue
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6
Turn right onto Holloway Street
1.4 km · 3 min · Holloway Street
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7
At the end of the road, turn left onto East 18th Street
1072 ft · 37 sec · East 18th Street
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8
Continue on North Walnut Street
747 ft · 30 sec · North Walnut Street
-
9
Turn right onto North Bishop Avenue
12.9 mi · 16 min · North Bishop Avenue
-
10
Continue straight
48.5 mi · 1 hr 3 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward US 54 East, US 63 North: Fulton, Columbia
1591 ft · 41 sec
-
12
Merge slight left
1.4 mi · 2 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward US 63 North: Columbia
26.1 mi · 29 min
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward MO 740
1273 ft · 33 sec
-
15
Turn left onto East Stadium Boulevard
2.3 mi · 4 min · East Stadium Boulevard
-
16
Turn right onto South Providence Road
1.6 km · 2 min · South Providence Road
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Providence Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Salem and Columbia.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
North Bishop Avenue
Continue straight
48.5 mi · 01h 03m
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 Salem and Sunny near Columbia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Salem to Columbia?
The road trip is about 120 miles (193.1 km) and usually takes 02h 11m 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 59.9 miles from Salem and 60.1 miles from Columbia.
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 19.9 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 2:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.95 one way or $31.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Salem and Sunny near Columbia.
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 Salem and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 100.08 mi (161.07 km).
#1 Salem
City in Missouri, United States
| Population | 4,874 |
| Coordinates | 37.6456000, -91.5359800 |
| Altitude | 361 |
| 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: 193 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 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 | $15.95 | $31.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.99 | $35.98 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.69 | $39.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.44 | $44.87 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.