- 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
$31
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
2 h 25 m
Average duration
2 h 45 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
189 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO to Columbia, MO will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 2 buses that leave St. Louis, MO 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 189 km distance in an average of 2 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 3 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 St. Louis, MO to Columbia, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a bus costs an average of $23.
Distance: 117 miles (189 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Columbia, MO take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 40m.
You'll arrive about -1h -41m sooner (2h 40m by bus vs 1h 59m by car) and save roughly $-8.78 (€-7.19) compared to fuel and tolls ($34 (€28) vs $25 (€21)). 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 Greyhound.
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 04:20PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
The table below shows live departures for St. Louis, MO 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:55 PM St. Louis, MO | 3h05 | 8:00 PM Columbia, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:30 PM St. Louis, MO | 2h25 | 11:55 PM Columbia, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:30 PM St. Louis, MO | 2h25 | 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 St. Louis, MO to Columbia, MO run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:40, the last at 20:35. The fastest bus covers the 117 miles (189 km) distance in 2h 25m.
Distance 117 miles (189 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 2h 25m |
First bus 7:40 AM |
Last bus 8:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
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 St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO to Columbia, MO buses use the St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) to Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) station pair, with some services arriving at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station. Use this guide to compare St. Louis, MO 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