How far is Willard, MO from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance from Willard, MO to Columbia, MO is about 174.3 miles (280.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 128.4 miles (206.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 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 50m.
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 Camden County, Missouri, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Willard and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Willard and Columbia.
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1
Start on West Jackson Street
1.1 km · 2 min · West Jackson Street
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2
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
61 m · 7 sec
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3
Exit the roundabout
1 km · 48 sec
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
39 m · 4 sec
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5
Exit the roundabout
1.3 mi · 2 min
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
33 m · 5 sec
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7
Exit the roundabout
3.6 mi · 5 min
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8
Take the ramp left
1546 ft · 40 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Payne Stewart Highway
53.1 mi · 58 min · Payne Stewart Highway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward MO 64, MO 5, MO 32: Hartville
894 ft · 26 sec
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11
Turn left onto South Jefferson Avenue
1.6 mi · 3 min · South Jefferson Avenue
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12
Continue straight
23.7 mi · 29 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 54: Camdenton, Nevada, Osage Beach, Jefferson City
1082 ft · 23 sec
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14
Turn right
31.2 mi · 36 min
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15
Turn straight
28 mi · 32 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward US 63 North: Columbia
26.1 mi · 29 min
-
17
Take the exit slight right toward MO 740
1273 ft · 33 sec
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18
Turn left onto East Stadium Boulevard
2.3 mi · 4 min · East Stadium Boulevard
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19
Turn right onto South Providence Road
1.6 km · 2 min · South Providence Road
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Providence Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Willard and Columbia.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Payne Stewart Highway
Merge slight left onto Payne Stewart Highway
53.1 mi · 00h 58m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Willard and Partly Cloudy near Columbia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Willard to Columbia?
The road trip is about 174.3 miles (280.5 km) and usually takes 02h 50m 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?
Linn Creek is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.1 miles from Willard and 87.2 miles from Columbia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 128.4 miles (206.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.9 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 12:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.19 one way or $46.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Willard and Partly Cloudy near Columbia.
Stop Ideas Near Linn Creek
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 Linn Creek.
Jefferson City
Sedalia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Willard and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 128.38 mi (206.61 km).
#1 Willard
City in Missouri
| Population | 5,736 |
| Coordinates | 37.3050500, -93.4285300 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| 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: 281 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.19 | $46.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.16 | $52.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.62 | $57.24 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.62 | $65.24 |
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 29, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.