Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Columbia travel guide

Columbia Tourism | Columbia Guide

You're Going to Love Columbia

With a population of 108,500, Columbia is a must-see destination in Missouri, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Columbia has to offer.

Article

Where to Eat in Columbia

If you’re looking for affordable options, 11Eleven (1111 E Broadway) and Buffalo Wild Wings - Columbia (505 East Nifong Blvd) are great picks.

When to visit Columbia

Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$105
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$105
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Columbia in July, when the average temperature is 77 °F, and the highest can go up to 87.8 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 21.2 °F, with an average temperature of 30.2 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in May, when precipitation is around 5″. In contrast, January is usually the driest month of the year in Columbia, with an average rainfall of 1.9″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Columbia

Plane

When flying to Columbia, you’ll arrive at Columbia Regional (COU), which is located 11 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Columbia include American Airlines, United Airlines and Qatar Airways. The shortest domestic flight to Columbia departs from Chicago and takes around 1h 33m.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car rental from St. Louis, which is about 117 miles from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Turo and Dollar, among others, in St. Louis.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Columbia, located 0.4 miles from downtown Columbia. Columbia 6401 Hwy 40 W is also a commonly used station, and is 6 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Columbia, you’ll arrive at Columbia Regional (COU), which is located 11 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Columbia include American Airlines, United Airlines and Qatar Airways. The shortest domestic flight to Columbia departs from Chicago and takes around 1h 33m.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car rental from St. Louis, which is about 117 miles from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Turo and Dollar, among others, in St. Louis.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Columbia, located 0.4 miles from downtown Columbia. Columbia 6401 Hwy 40 W is also a commonly used station, and is 6 miles from the city center.

Airports near Columbia

TBNFort Leonard Wood Waynesville Regional
COUColumbia Regional
UINQuincy Regional

Airlines serving Columbia

United Airlines
Good (9,091 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,686 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (947 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,054 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (553 reviews)
Allegiant Air
Good (700 reviews)
Contour
Good (43 reviews)
Find flights to Columbia

Where to stay in Columbia

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Candlewood Suites Columbia Hwy 63 & I-70 By IHG and Stoney Creek Hotel Columbia.

Where to stay in popular areas of Columbia

Most booked hotels in Columbia

See all
Drury Plaza Hotel Columbia East
3 stars
Excellent (9.4, 908 reviews)
$102+
View
Wingate by Wyndham Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1842 reviews)
$75+
View
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Columbia, MO
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1392 reviews)
$75+
View
Stoney Creek Hotel Columbia
2 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1068 reviews)
$91+
View
Ramada by Wyndham Columbia
3 stars
Good (6.8, 1292 reviews)
$52+
View
Super 8 by Wyndham Columbia East
2 stars
Okay (5.3, 789 reviews)
$42+
View

Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $60 per day, on average, or $180 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 49% cheaper than airport locations in Columbia.

Expect to pay $3.29 per gallon in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $39.52 and $52.69. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Compact (Chevrolet Equinox or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard rental cars (Toyota Tacoma or similar) are, on average, 56% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $60 per day, on average, or $180 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 49% cheaper than airport locations in Columbia.

Expect to pay $3.29 per gallon in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $39.52 and $52.69. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Compact (Chevrolet Equinox or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard rental cars (Toyota Tacoma or similar) are, on average, 56% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Columbia

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$34/day

Economy

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$34/day

Compact
Find car rentals in Columbia