“How Long Does it Take to Drive from Belleville to Columbia?”

It is often challenging to determine the most efficient route to take for a long drive. If you're traveling from Belleville, Illinois to Columbia, Missouri, it is crucial to know the fastest and slowest options for your journey. In this post, we will discuss the various routes available for you, their distances, and the expected driving times with peak and low traffic.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route to take from Belleville to Columbia is via Interstate-70W. It is approximately 120 miles long and estimated to take 1 hour and 50 minutes when traveling with light traffic. During peak traffic times, it can take up to 2 hours and 10 minutes. This route takes you through some of the major cities in Missouri, such as St. Charles, St. Peters, and Warrenton. You'll also enjoy breathtaking views of farmland and rolling hills.

The Scenic Route

If you have much time on your hands, you can opt for the scenic route. This takes you through secluded back roads that run through quaint Missouri towns and countryside. However, this route is 145 miles long, which is 25 miles longer than the fastest route, and can take up to 3 hours or more with peak traffic. Expect to spend roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes without traffic.

The Slowest Route

The slowest option is to take IL-3S and US-50W. This is a distance of approximately 161 miles, which takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to cover when traffic is at its lowest. When there's heavy traffic, the journey takes up to 3 hours and 20 minutes. This route takes you through several small communities like Red Bud, Sparta, and Carlyle.

Conclusion

Multiple routes connect Belleville to Columbia, but the fastest is via the I-70W, which takes 1 hour and 50 minutes. The scenic route provides a relaxed and enjoyable trip, but it's 25 miles longer than the fastest route. The slowest road involves taking the IL-3S and US-50W, making the journey 161 miles long and taking approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Whichever route you take, you'll enjoy small-town charm, stunning landscapes, and peaceful roads as you journey across the heart of America.