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Trip from Columbia, MO to Adrian, MO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 6m

Distance

159.7 mi

257 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 55m ★
6 AM
3h 6m
8 AM
3h 30m
10 AM
3h 14m
12 PM
3h 12m
3 PM
3h 16m
5 PM
3h 28m
8 PM
2h 59m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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male given name

Adrian, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning to travel from Columbia to Adrian, you are looking at a 159.7-mile journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 6 minutes to complete. Because this is a manageable distance, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $24 on fuel for the round trip, making it a relatively budget-friendly excursion across the Missouri Midwest. You will navigate a mix of thoroughfares, including the U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, and MO 291. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick visit, this route offers a straightforward path between these two points.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

79.9 miles from Columbia, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway 54.4 mi 58m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 54.3 mi 58m
MO 291 21 mi 31m
I 49 18.4 mi 19m
I 470 6.4 mi 7m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway 1.6 mi 1m
North Providence Road 1.2 mi 2m
Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway 0.8 mi 1m
Longest stretch: U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway — 54.4 mi, about 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, MO and Adrian, MO.

1

Start on MO 163

1.2 mi · 2 min · North Providence Road
2

Turn left

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
3

Merge onto I 70; US 40

0.8 mi · 1 min · Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
4

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.8 mi · 2 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
5

Continue on I 70; US 40

54 mi · 58 min · U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
6

Continue on I 70; US 40

52 mi · 56 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
7

Continue on I 70

1.6 mi · 1 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Exit 15A Toward I 470 South, MO 291 South: Lee's Summit Use the right lane.
9

Merge onto I 470; MO 291

6.4 mi · 7 min · I 470; MO 291
10

Keep slight left at fork onto MO 291

3.3 mi · 5 min · MO 291
Exit 10B Toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville Use the slight left / straight lanes.
11

Take the ramp onto MO 291

0.6 mi · 53 sec · MO 291
Toward US 50 West, MO 291 South: Kansas City
12

Take the exit onto MO 291

0.1 mi · 18 sec · MO 291
Toward MO 291 South: Jefferson Street, Harrisonville
13

Keep slight left at fork onto MO 291

17 mi · 24 min · MO 291
Toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville
14

Continue on Cantrell Road

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Cantrell Road
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
16

Merge onto I 49; US 71

18 mi · 19 min · I 49; US 71
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 141 Toward MO 18: Clinton, Adrian
18

Turn right onto MO 18

0.1 mi · 24 sec · East 1st Street
19

Continue on MO 18

0.2 mi · 31 sec · MO 18
20

Turn left onto MO 18

0.4 mi · 1 min · East Main Street
21

Arrive at destination

MO 18

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the advantage of flexibility when scheduling your departure time. You should plan for at least one stop during the 3-hour and 6-minute drive to stretch your legs and manage the turn-heavy nature of the local segments. Because the route relies heavily on local roads rather than high-speed interstates, keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition between the U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. Budget your $24 fuel cost carefully, and consider topping off your tank before leaving Columbia to avoid hunting for stations on the more rural stretches. By keeping your pace steady, you can easily manage the entire 159.7 miles in one comfortable, efficient session.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 79.9 miles from Columbia, MO, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.4 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 35 miles or 39m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 79.9 miles or 1h 27m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Adrian, MO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Columbia, MO so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Columbia, MO

This is one driving day of about 159.7 miles and 3h 6m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Columbia, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway for about 54.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Oak Grove, MO, MO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oak Grove, MO

80 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Marshall, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Warrensburg, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 79.9 miles from Columbia, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia, Missouri

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 3–8 pm

+15732346277

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Independence, Missouri

1 mi

Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: 3–8 pm

+15732346277

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 114.1

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18167955520

Visit website

Thailand Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 102.7

Blue Springs, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+18162293292

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 22.8

Boonville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 79.9

Higginsville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16602071324

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 140.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
1.2 mi into trip | ~2m in

Turn left toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 70 West, US 40 West: Kansas City
8
112.4 mi into trip | ~2h 3m in

Take the exit toward I 470 South, MO 291 South: Lee's Summit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 15A Toward I 470 South, MO 291 South: Lee's Summit
8
119.1 mi into trip | ~2h 11m in | MO 291

Keep slight left at fork onto MO 291 toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 10B Toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville
6
122.4 mi into trip | ~2h 17m in | MO 291

Take the ramp onto MO 291 toward US 50 West, MO 291 South: Kansas City

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 50 West, MO 291 South: Kansas City
6
140.2 mi into trip | ~2h 43m in

Take the exit toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.97 one way

$49.93 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.41 $54.83
premium $4.89 $30.73 $61.47
diesel $5.61 $35.26 $70.52

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.9 0 $16.77 $7.67
Efficient EV 39.9 0 $13.97 $6.39
EV Truck/SUV 63.9 0 $22.36 $10.22

Gas CO2

56 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Columbia, MO

Night in Columbia on Saturday

Local time

11:15 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Adrian, MO

Night in Adrian on Saturday

Local time

11:15 PM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

55°F

Oak Grove, MO

80 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

19 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 6m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a varied experience behind the wheel, as this 159.7-mile trek is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive. Only 29% of your total travel time will be spent on highways, meaning you will spend the majority of your time navigating local roads that demand more attention than a standard interstate cruise. Your longest uninterrupted stretch covers 54.4 miles along the U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, providing a brief period of consistency before the route shifts into more technical driving. Be prepared for the road’s personality to change as you transition away from the primary highway corridors. The combination of turns and local road segments ensures that you stay engaged throughout the three-hour duration.

Only 29% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 54.4 mi on U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 159.7 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.1 miles (MO 291): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Columbia, MO to Adrian, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Harrisonville along the way.

Harrisonville

123 mi in | ~2h 18m | via MO 291

About the Cities

Starting in Columbia, MO

Full guide →

Columbia is a bustling college town in Missouri, halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City. It is home of the University of Missouri (also known as 'Mizzou') as well as two other post-secondary institutions Stephens College and Columbia College.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 6m. Total distance: 159.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 54.4 miles on U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Adrian, MO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.1 miles (MO 291): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Adrian, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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