- 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
$57
Average price
$62
Fastest journey
6 h 35 m
Average duration
7 h 18 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
374 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Champaign, IL 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 Champaign, IL to Columbia, MO will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
Of the 2 buses that leave Champaign, IL for Columbia, MO on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 374 km distance in an average of 7 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 35 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 8 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Champaign, IL to Columbia, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, and a bus costs an average of $47.
Distance: 232 miles (374 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$63 Average price Cheapest | $55 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 38m Average total duration Fastest 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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 USA | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
The table below shows live departures for Champaign, IL 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:20 PM Champaign, IL | 6h35 | 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 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 Champaign, IL to Columbia, MO run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $47 (€39) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:05, the last at 22:34. The fastest bus covers the 232 miles (374 km) distance in 6h 35m.
Distance 232 miles (374 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€39) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 35m |
First bus 3:05 AM |
Last bus 10:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
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 Champaign, IL 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 Champaign, IL to Columbia, MO buses use the Champaign, I. T. at Market St. to Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) station pair, with some services arriving at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Champaign, IL 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