If you are planning a trip from Webb City to Columbia, expect to cover 236.8 miles across the Missouri Midwest. The drive typically takes about 4 hours and 31 minutes, making it a manageable day trip that does not require an overnight stay. You will navigate a mix of thoroughfares, including East MacArthur Drive, MO 249 South, and various local connectors. Budget approximately $36 for fuel to complete the journey comfortably. Since this route is designed as a single-day excursion, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience without feeling rushed.
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
118.4 miles from Webb City, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
113.3 mi
2h 2m
US 54
59.1 mi
1h 8m
US 63
26.1 mi
28m
MO 5
23.7 mi
29m
Governor Warren E Hearnes Memorial Highway
3.4 mi
3m
East Stadium Boulevard
2.3 mi
3m
East 7th Street
2 mi
3m
South Jefferson Avenue
1.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
— 113.3 mi, about 2h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Webb City, MO and Columbia, MO.
1
Start on MO D
0.4 mi·38 sec·North Main Street
2
Turn left onto I 49 Business; MO 171
0.3 mi·39 sec·East MacArthur Drive
3
Enter roundabout onto I 49 Business; MO 171
234 ft·3 sec·I 49 Business; MO 171
4
Continue on I 49 Business; MO 171
0.6 mi·37 sec·I 49 Business; MO 171
5
Take the exit
0.6 mi·41 sec
Toward MO 249 South: Joplin
6
Merge onto MO 249
3.4 mi·3 min·Governor Warren E Hearnes Memorial Highway
Toward MO 249 South: Joplin
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward MO 66, I 44 Business
8
Turn left onto I 44 Business; MO 66
2.0 mi·3 min·East 7th Street
9
Continue on I 44 Business; MO 66
0.9 mi·1 min·Cimarron Road
10
Take the ramp onto I 44 Business
0.6 mi·1 min·I 44 Business
Toward I 44 East, I 49 North, US 71 North: Springfield, Kansas City
11
Merge onto I 44; I 49; US 71
113 mi·2 hr 2 min·Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 129Toward MO 64, MO 5, MO 32: Hartville
13
Turn left onto MO 5; MO 32; MO 64
1.6 mi·2 min·South Jefferson Avenue
14
Continue on MO 5
24 mi·29 min·MO 5
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward US 54: Camdenton, Nevada, Osage Beach, Jefferson City
16
Turn right onto US 54
31 mi·35 min·US 54
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto US 54
28 mi·32 min·US 54
18
Take the exit onto US 63
26 mi·28 min·US 63
Toward US 63 North: Columbia
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·33 sec
Toward MO 740
20
Turn left onto MO 740
2.3 mi·3 min·East Stadium Boulevard
21
Turn right onto MO 163
1.0 mi·2 min·South Providence Road
22
Arrive at destination
MO 163
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 236.8-mile journey, try to time your departure to avoid peak local traffic, which can affect your travel time on these turn-heavy roads. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh, as the winding nature of the path can be more fatiguing than typical highway cruising. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when transitioning between the various local roads mentioned in your itinerary, to ensure you stay within your $36 budget. Since you are navigating local routes rather than major interstates, stay alert for changing speed limits and intersection signage throughout the trip.
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 118.4 miles from Webb City, MO, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.3 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 52 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.4 miles or 2h 11m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Columbia, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Webb City, 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 Webb City, MO
This is one driving day of about 236.8 miles and 4h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Webb City, 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 Congressman Gene Taylor Highway for about 113.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
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 0.7 and 147.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.7 mi into trip|~1m in|I 49 Business; MO 171
Enter roundabout onto I 49 Business; MO 171
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
5.3 mi into trip|~6m in
Take the exit toward MO 66, I 44 Business
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MO 66, I 44 Business
5
9.1 mi into trip|~12m in|I 44; I 49; US 71 / Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
Merge onto I 44; I 49; US 71 / Congressman Gene Taylor Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
122.4 mi into trip|~2h 15m in
Take the exit toward MO 64, MO 5, MO 32: Hartville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 129
Toward MO 64, MO 5, MO 32: Hartville
5
147.8 mi into trip|~2h 47m in
Take the exit toward US 54: Camdenton, Nevada, Osage Beach, Jefferson City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 54: Camdenton, Nevada, Osage Beach, J...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.02 one way
$74.04 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$40.65
$81.30
premium
$4.89
$45.57
$91.14
diesel
$5.61
$52.28
$104.56
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
34 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Buc-ee's - Tesla Supercharger
Springfield, MO
Tesla
16 DCFC
Target - Tesla Supercharger
Jefferson City, MO
Tesla
16 DCFC
Hy-Vee - Tesla Supercharger
Columbia, MO
Tesla
12 DCFC
Macadoodles Fine Wine & Spirits - Tesla Supercharger
Springfield, MO
Tesla
10 DCFC
Hy-Vee - Tesla Supercharger
Osage Beach, MO
Tesla
8 DCFC
Bandana's BBQ - Tesla Supercharger
Columbia, MO
Tesla
8 DCFC
The Holiday Inn - Columbia East - Tesla Supercharger
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71
0
$24.86
$11.37
Efficient EV
59.2
0
$20.72
$9.47
EV Truck/SUV
94.7
1
$33.15
$15.16
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 21, 2026
Origin
Webb City, MO
Morning
in Webb City on Tuesday
Local time
10:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Sunny
SW 13 to 18 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 21 at 2:24AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Lake Wind Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory issued April 21 at 2:10AM CDT until April 21 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Columbia, MO
Morning
in Columbia on Tuesday
Local time
10:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 9 to 16 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 21 at 2:24AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Lake Wind Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory issued April 21 at 2:10AM CDT until April 21 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
71°F
Lebanon, MO
118 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
5 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
4h 31m 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.
George Washington Carver National Monument
National Monument
The young child known as the "Plant Doctor" tended his secret garden while observing the day-to-day operations of a 19th century farm. Nature and nurture ultimately influenced George on his quest for...
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...
7 mi from route
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 65.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route features a 0% highway share, meaning you will spend your time navigating regional roads rather than high-speed lanes. The path feels more personal and connected to the local landscape, requiring frequent adjustments and careful driving. Because the route relies on local infrastructure, you should anticipate a consistent rhythm of turns rather than long, uninterrupted stretches of open road. It is an engaging driving experience that keeps you active throughout the entire 4-hour and 31-minute duration.
47% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 113.3 mi on Congressman Gene Taylor Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near I 49 Business; MO 171.
Driving Effort5/10
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 236.8 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 0.7 miles (I 49 Business; MO 171): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 5.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.1 miles (I 44; I 49; US 71 / Congressman Gene Taylor Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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 Webb City, MO and Columbia, MO, road signs point toward Nevada, Osage Beach and Jefferson City.
Joplin is in Southwest Missouri. It's mentioned in the song "Route 66". Joplin is the "hub" of the southwest corner of Missouri, southeast Kansas, and northeast Oklahoma. The population of Joplin in 2020 was 51,762, but, with several "suburbs" around Joplin, the population of the Joplin metro area was over 210,077.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 31m. Total distance: 236.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (47%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 113.3 miles on Congressman Gene Taylor 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.
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 0.7 miles (I 49 Business; MO 171): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 5.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.1 miles (I 44; I 49; US 71 / Congressman Gene Taylor Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Columbia, MO, but most travelers stay overnight.
