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Trip from Columbia, MO to Belton, MO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 35m

Distance

137.4 mi

221 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 25m ★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 40m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m

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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city in Cass County, Missouri, United States

Belton, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Connecting Columbia to Belton, this 137.4-mile journey across Missouri takes approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Because of the manageable duration, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You should budget about $21 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating through the heart of the Midwest, the route utilizes the U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, and I-470. It serves as a straightforward transition between these two Missouri locales, offering a practical path for those looking to travel efficiently across the state.

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

68.7 miles from Columbia, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m 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
I 470 15.5 mi 18m
I 49 7 mi 8m
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
North Cedar Street 0.4 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 Belton, 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 right at fork onto I 470

9.2 mi · 10 min · I 470
Toward I 470 South: Wichita Use the straight / slight left lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Exit 1 Toward I 49, I 435 North, US 71: Joplin, Kansas City, Des Moines Use the slight left / straight lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 52 sec
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 49; US 71

7.0 mi · 8 min · I 49; US 71
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Exit 175 Toward MO Y
16

Turn right onto East 163rd Street

0.4 mi · 56 sec · East 163rd Street
17

Continue on North Cedar Street

0.4 mi · 55 sec · North Cedar Street
18

Turn slight right

116 ft · 5 sec
19

Turn slight right onto MO 58

0.2 mi · 18 sec · East North Avenue
20

Turn left onto East Walnut Street

0.2 mi · 52 sec · East Walnut Street
21

Arrive at destination

East Walnut Street

Trip Plan

Given the total travel time of 2 hours and 35 minutes, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure schedule, though leaving mid-morning can help you avoid peak traffic. Plan for one designated stop to stretch your legs and refresh, as the turn-heavy nature of the local sections can be more tiring than a straight interstate run. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the initial segments, as you'll want to ensure you are topped off before hitting the more winding parts of the drive. Since this is a relatively short trip, use your one stop strategically to break up the longest 54.4-mile stretch. Carrying a small amount of extra cash or a card ready for the estimated $21 fuel cost will keep your transit smooth and stress-free.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68.7 miles from Columbia, MO, or about 1h 15m 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 30 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 68.7 miles or 1h 15m 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 3m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belton, 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 137.4 miles and 2h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 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.

city in Lafayette County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Odessa, MO

69 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

Blackwater, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Concordia, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 68.7 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

Cafe Poland by Iwona

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia, Missouri

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 5–8 pm

+17024270048

Visit website

Cafe Berlin

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia, Missouri

0.5 mi

Thailand Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Blue Springs, Missouri

0.7 mi

Cafe Poland by Iwona

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: 5–8 pm

+17024270048

Visit website

Cafe Berlin

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15734410400

Visit website

Thailand Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 107.9

Blue Springs, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+18162293292

Visit website

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

Olive Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 127.6

Kansas City, Missouri

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18167630009

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 107.9

Independence, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18167955520

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 78.5

Higginsville, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16602071324

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

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

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Columbia, Missouri

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Meadowmere Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 127.6

Grandview, Missouri

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+18163164888

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 112.4 and 128.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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
7
119.1 mi into trip | ~2h 11m in | I 470

Keep slight right at fork onto I 470 toward I 470 South: Wichita

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Toward I 470 South: Wichita
8
128.2 mi into trip | ~2h 21m in

Take the exit toward I 49, I 435 North, US 71: Joplin, Kansas City, Des Moines

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

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 1 Toward I 49, I 435 North, US 71: Joplin, Kansas...
8
128.4 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
8
128.9 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.40 one way

$40.80 round trip

$3.77/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $23.01 $46.01
premium $4.65 $25.18 $50.35
diesel $5.30 $28.69 $57.38

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 48.1 kg one way.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 41.2 0 $14.43 $6.60
Efficient EV 34.4 0 $12.02 $5.50
EV Truck/SUV 55 0 $19.24 $8.79

Gas CO2

48 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (67% 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

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Belton, MO

Night in Belton on Saturday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

72°F

Odessa, MO

69 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

18 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

2h 35m 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 turn-heavy local drive that demands your attention behind the wheel. While about 16% of the route consists of highway travel, the road feels more grounded than a standard interstate grind. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on the U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway, covering 54.4 miles before the road profile shifts. As you progress, the experience moves away from open highway stretches into more technical segments, requiring you to stay alert for frequent turns. This transition keeps the drive engaging, as you aren't just cruising on a singular path for the entire duration.

Only 16% 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?

9/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 112.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 137.4 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: 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 (I 470): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Columbia, MO and Belton, MO, road signs point toward Kansas City and Des Moines.

Kansas City

128.2 mi in | ~2h 21m

Des Moines

128.2 mi in | ~2h 21m

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 2h 35m. Total distance: 137.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 35m 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.

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 Belton, 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 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 (I 470): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Belton, MO before heading back.

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. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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