TA
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Columbia, MO to Cassville, MO
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 37m
Distance
226.2 mi
364 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 24m
★
6 AM
4h 38m
8 AM
5h 5m
10 AM
4h 47m
12 PM
4h 44m
3 PM
4h 48m
5 PM
5h 3m
8 PM
4h 30m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Columbia, MO
Chris Duan
Cassville, MO
Valeria Boltneva
Trip Overview
Columbia, MO to Cassville, MO is 226.2 miles and takes about 4h 37m via I 44 and US 54, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Missouri, traversing the Midwest as you head southwest. The route is primarily highway driving, making it a straightforward path for a single-day excursion. With just one recommended stop, it's designed for efficiency, allowing you to reach your destination without extensive planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
113.1 miles from Columbia, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 14m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 44 | 58.5 mi | 1h 3m |
| US 54 | 52.7 mi | 1h |
| US 63 | 32.1 mi | 35m |
| MO 5 | 24 mi | 29m |
| US 60 | 20.3 mi | 29m |
| State Highway 248 | 14.1 mi | 19m |
| State Highway 39 | 12.1 mi | 16m |
| MO B | 3.9 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 44
— 58.5 mi, about 1h 3m
Traffic on I-44
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,682 veh/hr typical · worst 1,963
Quietest
2 AM
~197 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, MO and Cassville, MO.
1
Start on MO 163
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North Providence Road
2
Turn left onto MO 740
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
East Stadium Boulevard
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward US 63 South: Jefferson City
4
Merge onto US 63
25 mi
·
27 min
·
US 63
5
Take the exit onto US 63
6.6 mi
·
8 min
·
US 63
Toward US 54 West, US 63 South: Jefferson City
6
Continue on US 54
53 mi
·
1 hr
·
US 54
Use the slight right lane.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward MO 5 South, MO 7 South: Lebanon
8
Merge onto MO 5; MO 7
24 mi
·
29 min
·
MO 5; MO 7
9
Turn left onto MO 5; MO 64
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
North Jefferson Avenue
10
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 44 West: Springfield
11
Merge onto I 44
59 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 44
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 70
Toward MO MM, MO B
13
Turn left onto MO B; MO MM
3.9 mi
·
6 min
·
MO B; MO MM
14
Continue on this road
314 ft
·
11 sec
·
this road
15
Turn straight onto US 60; MO 413
9.0 mi
·
13 min
·
US 60; MO 413
16
Continue on US 60; MO 14; MO 413
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Elm Street
17
Continue on US 60; MO 413
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
US 60; MO 413
18
Continue on US 60; MO 265
6.0 mi
·
9 min
·
US 60; MO 265
19
Turn left onto MO 39
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
South Elliott Avenue
20
Continue on MO 39
12 mi
·
16 min
·
State Highway 39
21
Turn right onto MO 248
14 mi
·
19 min
·
State Highway 248
22
At end of road, turn right onto MO 76; MO 86; MO 112
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
MO 76; MO 86; MO 112
23
Turn left
52 ft
·
5 sec
24
Turn right
50 ft
·
3 sec
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4h 37m drive, consider leaving Columbia in the morning to allow ample time for any unscheduled stops. With a recommended one stop, you can easily manage the 226.2 miles in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 58.5-mile stretch on I 44, as services can be spaced out on interstates. The $40 fuel estimate is a good baseline for budgeting. You'll have flexibility with this shorter drive, so don't feel rushed if you decide to take a slightly longer break.
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 113.1 miles from Columbia, MO, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.5 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 50 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.1 miles or 2h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cassville, 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 226.2 miles and 4h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 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 I 44 for about 58.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
113 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 113.1 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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
ONE9 Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
B&D Auto/Truck Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Conway Rest Area (Eastbound)
0.2 mi from route
Conway Rest Area (Westbound)
0.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 28.8 and 226.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
28.8 mi into trip
|
~33m in
|
US 63
Take the exit onto US 63 toward US 54 West, US 63 South: Jefferson City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 54 West, US 63 South: Jefferson City
5
88.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m in
Take the exit toward MO 5 South, MO 7 South: Lebanon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MO 5 South, MO 7 South: Lebanon
5
114 mi into trip
|
~2h 15m in
Take the exit toward I 44 West: Springfield
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 44 West: Springfield
6
172.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 19m in
Take the exit toward MO MM, MO B
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 70
Toward MO MM, MO B
5
226.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 37m in
Turn left
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.40 one way
$66.81 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
79 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $36.88 | $73.76 |
| premium | $4.72 | $42.00 | $84.00 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $42.71 | $85.42 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 67.9 | 0 | $23.75 | $10.86 |
| Efficient EV | 56.6 | 0 | $19.79 | $9.05 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 90.5 | 1 | $31.67 | $14.48 |
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Origin
Columbia, MO
Late night in Columbia on Sunday
Local time
5:44 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 9 mph
22% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Destination
Cassville, MO
Late night in Cassville on Sunday
Local time
5:44 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 9 mph
19% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
90°F
Marshfield, MO
113 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
3 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
4h 37m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
National Battlefield
Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and where the first Union general was killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focuse...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 179.4
Caution: BE AWARE OF HIGH-WATER DANGER
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 95% highway, so expect long stretches of consistent driving. You'll cover 58.5 miles on I 44 without a break before encountering more varied roads. The transition to surface streets will happen gradually as you approach Cassville. Given the high highway percentage, you'll notice frequent exits for a significant portion of the drive.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 58.5 mi on I 44.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 44 and US 54. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 28.8 miles in near US 63.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 37m drive. You will face about 16 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 28.8 miles (US 63): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,383 ft
702 ft
Total Climb
1,116 ft
Total Descent
516 ft
Highest Point
1,383 ft
~193.9 mi in
Elevation Range
682 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Cassville, MO, road signs begin pointing toward Mo B along the way.
Mo B
172.6 mi in
|
~3h 19m
About the Cities
Starting in Columbia, MO
Full guide →Founded 1821
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.
Top landmarks
- • First Christian Church — historic church in Columbia, Missouri, United States
- • Columbia Cemetery — cemetery in Columbia, Missouri, United States
- • David Guitar House — historic house in Missouri, United States
Arriving in Cassville, MO
Full guide →Cassvile is a city in Southwest Missouri.
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 4h 37m. Total distance: 226.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 58.5 miles on I 44. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 8 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 28.8 miles (US 63): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Yes — Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Cassville, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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