- Must visit
The National WWII Museum
A major campus of immersive exhibits on World War II, widely regarded as one of the top museums in the United States.
Cheapest price
$118
Average price
$118
Fastest journey
19 h 5 m
Average duration
19 h 5 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1022 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Columbia, MO to New Orleans, LA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Columbia, MO to New Orleans, LA will cost around $118 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $118.
Of the 1 buses that leave Columbia, MO for New Orleans, LA on Sun, Jun 21, 1 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 1022 km distance in an average of 19 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 19 h 5 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 19 h 5 m 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 Columbia, MO to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $118. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 17h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $118, and a bus costs an average of $118.
Distance: 635 miles (1022 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$184 Average price Cheapest | $153 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 0m Average total duration Fastest 17h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to New Orleans, LA take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 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 Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 21h45 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $174 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $227 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 32h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $172 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $207 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 21h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $233 |
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 Columbia, MO to New Orleans, LA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 17h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $118 (€96) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:10, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 635 miles (1022 km) distance in 19h 5m.
Distance 635 miles (1022 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $118 (€96) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 19h 5m |
First bus 6:10 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of New Orleans — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Orleans trip today.
A major campus of immersive exhibits on World War II, widely regarded as one of the top museums in the United States.
The city’s leading fine arts museum, known for its broad collection and its sculpture garden in City Park.
A respected museum focused on Southern art, with strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s signature historic neighborhood, known for balconies, music, architecture, and its dense concentration of sights.
The most famous street in New Orleans, known for nightlife, music, and nonstop energy in the French Quarter.
A picturesque neighborhood of oak-lined streets and grand historic mansions, popular for walking and architecture.
A Rich Louisiana stew often made with a dark roux, the holy trinity of vegetables, and seafood or sausage. It is one of the city’s signature Creole and Cajun dishes.
A Spiced rice dish cooked with meat or seafood, aromatics, and stock. It is a classic New Orleans favorite influenced by Spanish and French cooking traditions.
A Traditional sandwich on French bread, usually filled with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef with gravy. It is one of the city’s most iconic everyday meals.
An Iconic Garden District restaurant serving refined Creole cuisine in an elegant historic setting. Known for jazz brunch and polished service.
A Legendary Treme institution famous for Creole soul food, gumbo, and local history. The atmosphere is classic, welcoming, and deeply tied to the city’s culture.
A Popular Warehouse District restaurant focused on Cajun-inspired cooking, Louisiana meats, and bold regional flavors in a stylish rustic room.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Food and drinks range widely, while hotels rise sharply during festivals and weekends.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bartenders: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Tip musicians only if invited or a tip jar is out.
Official public transport app
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans -> Canal Street, New Orleans
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbia, MO to New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Columbia, MO to New Orleans, LA buses use the Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) to New Orleans, LA station pair, with some services arriving at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr). Use this guide to compare Columbia, MO and New Orleans, LA 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