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Home / Come to MU / Living in Columbia / Transportation

Transportation

Bus (Columbia Transit)

  • The city of Columbia provides public bus service for a low fare, usually $1 per ride. For information about Columbia Transit, including bus routes, call 573-874-7282 or visit the Columbia Transit website.
  • Check bus route maps and schedules online, or pick them up at the Wabash Station, 126 N. 10th St.
  • Buses pick up passengers at points along the routes that are designated with "Bus Stop" signs.
  • Buses run from 6:25 a.m. to 6:25 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 6:25 a.m. to 10:25 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. There is no bus service on Sunday.
  • Another option is Tiger Line, Mizzou’s free shuttle service that takes students downtown and south of town. This service is free and runs until 1:30 a.m. seven days a week. The south loop stops near Walmart and other shopping areas.

Bicycle

  • Columbia has multiple bicycle trails as well as designated bicycle routes on public streets. Bicyclists are expected to ride along the right side of the street and follow the same traffic regulations as automobile drivers. PedNet.org, an organization dedicated to encouraging active travel such as walking and bicycling, offers courses in bike riding. 
  • The city's Get About Columbia program provides numerous resources for biking and walking. Check the extensive online biking guide for routes, road rules, safety advice, bike rack information and more.
  • All bicycles must be registered and licensed with the City of Columbia. This can be done at any city fire station (573-874-7391) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bring your bicycle to the fire station, and fill out a registration form. The license number will be stamped onto the front of the bike. Learn more about bicycle registration.
  • There is also the Mizzou Bike Share program, in which students can borrow one of 20 bikes for 24-hours for free. To borrow a bike, students must sign a waiver and swipe their I.D. at the information desk in the MU Student Center in order to receive a key to one of the bikes. If the bike is not returned on time, there is a $10 fee charged each day until the cost of the bike is met or the bike is returned. Students must provide their own helmets. 

Taxi

  • The Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau provides information about taxi, shuttle and limousine services in mid Missouri. You also can find taxi companies in the Yellow Pages.
  • All taxi cabs are metered, so the cost depends on the distance you travel. Ask about the rate before hiring the cab.

Driving

Learning to drive and obtaining a driver's license

  • Before you obtain a driver's license or learn to drive in the United States, you must have a learner's permit. To obtain a learner's permit, you must pass a a vision test and written test about Missouri traffic rules. With a permit, you may drive only when an adult licensed driver is in the vehicle with you.
  • The Missouri Drivers Guide contains the information you will need to pass the written test for a learner's permit or driver's license. Copies of the guide are available at Missouri License Bureau, (Department of Revenue, 403 Vandiver Dr., Ste. B, Columbia, MO 65202) and online. Read and study the guide.
  • After you pass the test, you will be issued a learner's permit.
  • To get a Missouri driver's license, you will need to take a written test, a vision test and a driving test / road test.You must provide a registered and insured vehicle in which to take the driving test.
  • If you have a license from another state, you should get a Missouri driver's license as soon as possible after moving here.
  • Tests for both learner's permits and driver's licenses are given at the Missouri License Bureau.
  • Please note: your U.S. visa stamped inside your passport must be valid. You will not be issued a driver's license with an expired U.S. Visa.

Buying a car

  • Look under "Automobile Dealers" in the Yellow Pages, on auto Web sites, in the classified sections of Columbia newspapers or on classifed-ad sites such as Craigslist to find cars for sale.
  • Make sure you test-drive the car and feel comfortable before buying it.
  • Though prices are fixed for most purchases in the United States, a car is one of the few exceptions. You can and should bargain for the price of the car. The advertised sticker price is only a starting point.
  • Prices and models vary widely, so shop around before buying. If you do not want extra features, do not be pressured into buying them.
  • Check Consumer Reports for both new and used cars to learn about each car model's good and bad points.
  • When buying a used car, it is often wise to have a mechanic not associated with the seller inspect the car.

Owning a car

  • The cost of buying a car includes sales tax, license fees and inspections.
  • The cost of maintaining a car includes insurance, fuel, repairs and parking fees. Insurance is required by law.

Licensing your car

The Missouri Department of Revenue provides information about motor vehicle licensing. The State of Missouri administers a motor vehicle inspection program to ensure the safe driving condition of all vehicles. This inspection is required to obtain or renew your license plates. To get your license plates:

  • Have your car inspected by an automobile dealership or service station designated as an inspection station. All vehicles are required to pass safety inspections and emissions inspections. Make any repairs that are necessary to pass inspection.
  • Within 60 days after the inspection, take the Inspection Certificate, the title to your car and your Boone County Personal Property Tax Receipt for the previous year to the License Bureau at 403 Vandiver Drive.
  • If you were not in Boone County the previous year, you need to obtain a "statement of non-assessment" from the Boone County Assessor (801 E. Walnut, Room 143).
  • Upon completion of your application, you will receive two metal license plates, which should be put on the front and back bumpers of your car. After your initial inspection, you will only get renewal stickers to be attached to the metal plates for the next year.

Car insurance

Automobile insurance is required by law. The Missouri Department of Revenue provides auto insurance and accident information. If your car is involved in an accident that is your fault, you are legally required to pay for the damages. If the accident is not your fault, you may still have to pay to repair your own vehicle. Keep in mind the following types of insurance when making a selection:

  • Liability insurance pays for damages you do to other people or to their vehicles. This type of insurance is required by Missouri law. Not having liability automobile insurance is a misdemeanor and can be punishable by imprisonment for up to one year.
  • Medical insurance covers the cost for injuries sustained by you or your passengers.
  • Collision insurance covers loss or damage to your car resulting from a collision.
  • Comprehensive insurance covers loss or damage to your car caused by fire, storms, theft or vandalism.
  • If your car is of high market value, both collision and comprehensive insurance are important.
  • Remember: It is against the law to drive without liability insurance.