Trip from Columbia, MO to Bonne Terre, 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 21m

Distance

168.9 mi

272 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 10m ★

6 AM

3h 22m

8 AM

3h 46m

10 AM

3h 30m

12 PM

3h 28m

3 PM

3h 31m

5 PM

3h 45m

8 PM

3h 15m

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 St. Francois County, Missouri, United States

Bonne Terre, MO

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 168.9-mile journey from Columbia, MO, to Bonne Terre, MO, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes. You'll primarily navigate the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway and US 67, with a notable segment on the Avenue of the Saints. With 21% of the drive on highways, expect a blend of driving experiences. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $26, making it an economical option. This route is a solid choice if you're looking for a manageable drive within the Midwest region.

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

84.4 miles from Columbia, MO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway	81 mi	1h 35m
Avenue of the Saints	25.1 mi	30m
US 67	22.8 mi	26m
Police Officer Steven Jarvis Memorial Highway	18.3 mi	19m
I 270	11.5 mi	14m
Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway	1.9 mi	2m
Officer Thomas G. Smith, Jr. Memorial Highway	1.8 mi	2m
Rosa Parks Highway	1.5 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway — 81 mi, about 1h 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on MO 163

1.2 mi · 2 min · North Providence Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 21 sec

Toward I 70 East, US 40 East: Saint Louis

Merge onto I 70; US 40

0.5 mi · 35 sec · Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

1.9 mi · 2 min · Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway

Continue on I 70; US 40

81 mi · 1 hr 35 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Take the exit onto US 40

0.3 mi · 33 sec · US 40

Exit 210A Toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Chesterfield

Merge onto I 64; US 40; US 61

25 mi · 30 min · Avenue of the Saints

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Exit 25 Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 31 sec

Toward I 270 South: Memphis Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 270

11 mi · 14 min · I 270

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 27 sec

Exit 1A Toward I 55, US 61, US 67: Saint Louis, Memphis, Lemay Ferry Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 43 sec

Toward I 55 South: Memphis

Merge onto I 55

1.5 mi · 1 min · Rosa Parks Highway

Continue on I 55

1.8 mi · 2 min · Officer Thomas G. Smith, Jr. Memorial Highway

Continue on I 55

18 mi · 19 min · Police Officer Steven Jarvis Memorial Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 19 sec

Exit 174B Toward US 67 South: Farmington, Poplar Bluff

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec

Enter roundabout onto US 67

30 ft · 0 sec · US 67

Continue on US 67

23 mi · 26 min · US 67

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec

Toward MO K, MO 47: Bonne Terre, Terre Du Lac

Turn right onto MO 47

0.6 mi · 1 min · MO 47

Turn slight left onto MO 47

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Park Avenue

Turn right onto MO E

12 ft · 0 sec · North Division Street

Arrive at destination

MO E

Trip Plan

Given its manageable 3-hour duration, this route is best tackled as a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Consider an early start to maximize your daylight hours and minimize potential traffic. With only one recommended stop, you can choose to make it a quick fuel and stretch break or a more leisurely pause. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 81-mile stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination comfortably.

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 84.4 miles from Columbia, MO, or about 1h 40m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 81 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 37 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 84.4 miles or 1h 40m 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 46m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bonne Terre, 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 168.9 miles and 3h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 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 Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 81 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in St. Charles County, Missouri, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Weldon Spring, MO

84 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

Montgomery City, MO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Wentzville, MO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84.4 miles from Columbia, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 81 miles.

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

Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia, Missouri

1.1 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

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

QTea Vietnamese Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 120.6

Arnold, Missouri

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+16363332869

Visit website

The Wolf Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.6

Ballwin, Missouri

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+16365277027

Visit website

Cafe Amalia

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 108.6

Kirkwood, Missouri

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+13146982200

Visit website

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 84.7 and 144.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

84.7 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in | US 40

Take the exit onto US 40 toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Chesterfield

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

Exit 210A Toward I 64 East, US 40 East, US 61 South: Ches...

110.1 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in

Take the exit toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 25 Toward I 270: Chicago, Memphis

110.4 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 270 South: Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 270 South: Memphis

122.2 mi into trip | ~2h 27m in

Take the exit toward I 55, US 61, US 67: Saint Louis, Memphis, Lemay Ferry Road

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 1A Toward I 55, US 61, US 67: Saint Louis, Memphis...

144.7 mi into trip | ~2h 52m in

Take the exit toward US 67 South: Farmington, Poplar Bluff

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

Exit 174B Toward US 67 South: Farmington, Poplar Bluff

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.41 one way

$52.81 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$28.99	$57.98
premium	$4.89	$32.50	$65.01
diesel	$5.61	$37.29	$74.58

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 59.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	50.7	$17.73	$8.11
Efficient EV	42.2	$14.78	$6.76
EV Truck/SUV	67.6	$23.65	$10.81

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 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

Late night in Columbia on Sunday

Local time

2:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bonne Terre, MO

Late night in Bonne Terre on Sunday

Local time

2:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

82°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

8 degrees warmer at arrival

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

Road read

3h 21m 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?

This drive is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting a less straightforward interstate experience. While 21% of your time will be on highways, the majority of the route involves more varied road conditions. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 81 miles on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, offering a period of more consistent travel before transitioning to local roads. Be prepared for frequent turns and changes in road type as you make your way across Missouri.

Only 21% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.

24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 81 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 84.7 miles in near US 40.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 16 significant decision points across 168.9 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 84.7 miles (US 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.4 miles: 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.

Between Columbia, MO and Bonne Terre, MO, road signs point toward Memphis and Poplar Bluff.

Memphis

110.1 mi in | ~2h 12m

Poplar Bluff

144.7 mi in | ~2h 52m

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 21m. Total distance: 168.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 81 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower 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 Bonne Terre, 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.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Bonne Terre, 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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Return Trip

Bonne Terre, MO to Columbia, MO

Plan the drive back the other way.

170 mi 3h 24m

Explore more options from Columbia, MO or browse trips ending in Bonne Terre, MO.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MO road trips.

Trip from Columbia, MO to Bonne Terre, MO

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Cafe Poland by Iwona

Cafe Poland by Iwona

Cafe Berlin

Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant

QTea Vietnamese Cafe

The Wolf Cafe

Cafe Amalia

Tesla Destination Charger

EVgo Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Rivian Adventure Network

Flying J EV Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Columbia, MO

Bonne Terre, MO

Same local time

8 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 21m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Columbia, MO

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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