Chicago to Columbia, Missouri: Road Trip Guide & Distance

319.5 miles 514.2 km · straight line
399.2 miles actual route 642.4 km · driving distance
7h 39min estimated drive time
$38 - $47 estimated fuel cost
~1h 9min flight time
232° SW bearing direction

How far is Chicago from Columbia, Missouri?

The distance from Chicago to Columbia, Missouri is 319.5 miles (514.2 km) as the crow flies. Columbia, Missouri is located SW of Chicago. By car, the driving distance is approximately 399.2 miles, taking about 7h 39min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 9min. Both are located in United States — Chicago in Illinois and Columbia, Missouri in Missouri.

This is a solid day of driving. Be sure to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid driver fatigue, and plan your meals ahead of time. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Chicago and Columbia, Missouri. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Chicago to Columbia, Missouri

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 7h 39min $38 - $47 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 9min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~9h 11min $32–$60* Budget
Train ~7h 16min $48–$140* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Chicago & Columbia, Missouri

Quick Facts

Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Columbia, Missouri
38.95°N, 92.33°W
America/Chicago
215m elevation
Explore more routes from Columbia, Missouri

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 107 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 27 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 77.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM