- 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
$152
Average price
$152
Fastest journey
19 h 5 m
Average duration
19 h 5 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
783 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from East Lansing, MI 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 East Lansing, MI to Columbia, MO will cost around $152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $152.
It's difficult to get from East Lansing, MI to Columbia, MO without transferring at least 3 times.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from East Lansing, MI to Columbia, MO 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 flight which can get you there in 5h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $118, and a flight costs an average of $391.
Distance: 486 miles (783 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$142 Average price Cheapest | $418 Average price | $116 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
26h 1m Average total duration 25h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 13m Average total duration Fastest 5h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from East Lansing, MI to Columbia, MO:
A bus is $275 (€225) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from East Lansing, MI to Columbia, MO costing on average $418 (€342).
Other travel options to Columbia, MO take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 31m.
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 12:15PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 27h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator Indian Trails | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 23h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $195 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 23h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $129 |
The table below shows live departures for East Lansing, MI 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:35 PM East Lansing, MI | 19h05 | 10:40 AM Columbia, MO | 3 transfers | |
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 East Lansing, MI to Columbia, MO run on average 3 times per day, taking around 25h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $118 (€97) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 12:15, the last at 21:05. The fastest bus covers the 486 miles (783 km) distance in 23h 25m.
Distance 486 miles (783 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $118 (€97) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 23h 25m |
First bus 12:15 PM |
Last bus 9:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 East Lansing, MI 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.

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