- Must visit
Columbia Museum Of Art
The city’s leading art museum, known for European, American, Asian, and contemporary works, plus rotating exhibitions and public programs in the downtown arts district.
Cheapest price
$150
Average price
$167
Fastest journey
19 h 45 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 50 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
781 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham, AL to Columbia, MO is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham, AL to Columbia, MO will cost around $167 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $150.
It's difficult to get from Birmingham, AL to Columbia, MO without transferring at least 2 times.




Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Birmingham, AL to Columbia, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $162. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $162, and a flight costs an average of $361.
Distance: 485 miles (781 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$184 Average price Cheapest | $383 Average price | $120 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 23m Average total duration 20h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 13m Average total duration Fastest 6h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham, AL to Columbia, MO:
A bus is $199 (€163) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Birmingham, AL to Columbia, MO costing on average $383 (€314).
Other travel options to Columbia, MO take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 53m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $189 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 31h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $183 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 27h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $199 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 19h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $150 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham, AL to Columbia, MO buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:45 AM Birmingham, AL | 16h10 | 12:55 AM Columbia, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Birmingham, AL to Columbia, MO run on average 3 times per day, taking around 20h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $162 (€133) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:45, the last at 22:40. The fastest bus covers the 485 miles (781 km) distance in 16h 10m.
Distance 485 miles (781 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $162 (€133) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 16h 10m |
First bus 2:45 AM |
Last bus 10:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Columbia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Columbia trip today.
The city’s leading art museum, known for European, American, Asian, and contemporary works, plus rotating exhibitions and public programs in the downtown arts district.
South Carolina’s largest museum, covering art, history, natural history, science, and technology in a large converted mill on the Congaree riverfront.
A university museum focusing on Southern culture, folk traditions, and regional history through compact but thoughtful exhibitions on the University of South Carolina campus.
Columbia’s most active downtown corridor, lined with shops, public art, event spaces, and restored buildings. A top area for walking and urban atmosphere.
A scenic riverside park with paved walking paths, canal views, industrial heritage features, and some of the city’s most photogenic outdoor scenery.
The historic heart of the university campus, featuring mature trees, brick paths, and some of Columbia’s most graceful academic architecture.
Slow-smoked pork, often chopped or pulled, traditionally served with the state’s distinctive mustard-based barbecue sauce known as Carolina Gold.
A Lowcountry classic of sautéed shrimp served over creamy grits, reflecting coastal South Carolina cooking and regional seafood traditions.
A traditional South Carolina one-pot dish of rice, chicken, sausage, and spices, especially associated with central and coastal parts of the state.
An upscale steakhouse popular for prime steaks, seafood, and Southern hospitality in an elegant dining room.
A long-running downtown restaurant known for seasonal New American cuisine, polished service, and a lively but refined atmosphere.
An established neighborhood restaurant serving creative Southern fare with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and upscale dining vary by area and season.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants before tax. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotel housekeeping: USD 2-5 per night. No tip needed for fast food.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham, AL to Columbia, MO by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Columbia, MO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham, AL to Columbia, MO buses use the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority to Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) station pair, with some services arriving at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Birmingham, AL and Columbia, MO bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need