Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 25m
Distance
71.9 mi
116 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lake Ozark, MO
Wikimedia Commons
This straightforward 71.9-mile drive from Columbia, MO, to Lake Ozark, MO, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $11, it's an economical choice for a quick getaway within the Midwest. The route primarily utilizes US 54 and US 63, with a brief segment on East Stadium Boulevard, making it a highway-focused journey. Given its short distance and efficient travel time, you won't need to worry about overnight stays, allowing for maximum flexibility in your schedule. This trip is ideal if you're looking for a simple, direct connection to the popular Lake Ozark region.
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 54 | 34.5 mi | 38m |
| US 63 | 32.1 mi | 35m |
| East Stadium Boulevard | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Bagnell Dam Boulevard | 1.7 mi | 4m |
| North Providence Road | 1 mi | 2m |
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, MO and Lake Ozark, MO.
Start on MO 163
Turn left onto MO 740
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 63
Take the exit onto US 63
Continue on US 54
Take the exit
Enter roundabout onto US 54 Business
Continue on US 54 Business
Enter roundabout onto US 54 Business
Continue on US 54 Business
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
36 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.
A short stop after about 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 35.9 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.
5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 70.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn left onto MO 740 / East Stadium Boulevard
Navigation decision point
Take the ramp toward US 63 South: Jefferson City
Navigation decision point
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
Enter roundabout onto US 54 Business / Bagnell Dam Boulevard
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Enter roundabout onto US 54 Business / Bagnell Dam Boulevard
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Regular Gas
$11.24 one way
$22.48 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $12.34 | $24.68 |
| premium | $4.89 | $13.84 | $27.67 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $15.87 | $31.75 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$11
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.6 | 0 | $7.55 | $3.45 |
| Efficient EV | 18 | 0 | $6.29 | $2.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 28.8 | 0 | $10.07 | $4.60 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Columbia on Tuesday
Local time
3:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Sunny
Destination
Late night in Lake Ozark on Tuesday
Local time
3:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 93% of the 71.9-mile route on faster roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 34.5 miles on US 54, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. While the majority of the drive is on major highways like US 63, the transition onto East Stadium Boulevard and then US 54 means you'll experience a mix of speeds. It's not a winding scenic byway, but rather a practical route designed for efficient travel, allowing you to cover ground quickly between Columbia and Lake Ozark.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 54 and US 63. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near MO 740 / East Stadium Boulevard.
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from Columbia, MO to Lake Ozark, MO is easy. At 1h 25m with 93% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (MO 740 / East Stadium Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 3.2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 28.8 miles (US 63): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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.
Lake Ozark is in Missouri.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 25m. Total distance: 71.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Straightforward navigation.
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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