Jefferson City travel guide

Jefferson City travel guide: Jefferson City is the capital city of Missouri, and there are several interesting things to do in the area.

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Jefferson City, US
8:10 am, Jun 8, 2025
temperature icon 18°C
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Humidity 88 %
Pressure 1010 mb
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Visibility Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise Sunrise: 5:44 am
Sunset Sunset: 8:31 pm

What to do in Jefferson City

Jefferson City travel guide.
Here is a list of all the activities in Jefferson City.

Missouri State Capitol
Missouri State Capitol
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Katy Trail State Park
Katy Trail State Park
Cole County Historical Society Museum
Cole County Historical Society Museum
Missouri State Penitentiary Museum
Missouri State Penitentiary Museum
Jefferson Landing State Historic Site
Jefferson Landing State Historic Site
Lincoln University
Lincoln University
Missouri River Regional Library
Missouri River Regional Library
Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds
Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds
Ellis-Porter Riverside Park
Ellis-Porter Riverside Park

Jefferson City travel guide

National Airports

Jefferson City Memorial Airport (JEF) is the nearest airport to Jefferson City, located about 7 miles east of the city center. However, it is a small airport with limited commercial flights. The closest major airport is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), located approximately 120 miles northeast of Jefferson City.

Trains in Jefferson City

Jefferson City has an Amtrak station located downtown. The Missouri River Runner route operates between St. Louis and Kansas City, with stops in Jefferson City.

Buses in Jefferson City

Jefferson City is served by the Jefferson City Metro Area Transit (JCMAT), which operates a network of local bus routes in the city. Greyhound Lines, a national bus company, also provides intercity bus service to Jefferson City.

Additionally, Amtrak, the national passenger rail company, operates the Missouri River Runner service, which connects Jefferson City with St. Louis and Kansas City.

There is no airport in Jefferson City, but the closest major airport is the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport in St. Louis, which is about 120 miles away.

How to get to Jefferson City

Jefferson City is located in the central part of Missouri and is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane.

By Car: Jefferson City is conveniently located on US Highway 50 and US Highway 54. It is also accessible from Interstate 70, which runs through the northern part of the city.

By Bus: Greyhound Lines has a bus station in Jefferson City, located at 820 E. Miller Street.

By Plane: The nearest major airport to Jefferson City is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, located approximately 120 miles east of the city. Another option is the Columbia Regional Airport, located about 25 miles north of Jefferson City. Private planes can also land at the Jefferson City Memorial Airport, which is located just south of the city.

By Train: Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner line stops in Jefferson City, with daily service to and from St. Louis and Kansas City. The Jefferson City Amtrak station is located at 101 Jefferson Street.

What is the best time to travel to Jefferson City

The best time to visit Jefferson City is during the spring and fall months, from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and low humidity. Additionally, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city’s historic sites without the heat and crowds of the summer months. Summer months can be hot and humid, while winter months can be cold and snowy, so plan accordingly if you choose to visit during these times.

How to get around Jefferson City

Jefferson City is a relatively small city, so it is easy to get around on foot or by bike. However, there are also several other transportation options available:

Car: You can rent a car at the Columbia Regional Airport or at rental car locations in Jefferson City. Several major highways connect to the city, including US Route 50, US Route 54, and Missouri Route 94.

Bus: The city has a bus system called the JEFFTRAN. The bus service runs several routes throughout the city, including to shopping centers, medical facilities, and residential areas.

Taxi: Several taxi companies operate in Jefferson City. You can find them at the Columbia Regional Airport or by calling one of the companies directly.

Ride-hailing services: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in Jefferson City.

Bicycle: Jefferson City has a network of bike lanes and trails that make it easy to get around by bike. You can rent a bike from several bike rental companies located in the city.

Accommodations in Jefferson City

There are several accommodations available in Jefferson City, Missouri, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Here are some popular options:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jefferson City – This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Jefferson City and offers comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.

Capitol Plaza Hotel Jefferson City – This hotel is located near the Missouri State Capitol and offers comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.

Baymont by Wyndham Jefferson City – This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and free breakfast.

The Victorian House Bed and Breakfast – This charming bed and breakfast is located in a historic Victorian home and offers comfortable rooms, a full breakfast, and easy access to downtown Jefferson City.

The Katy Trail Bed & Breakfast – This cozy bed and breakfast is located in a historic home and is the perfect place to stay for visitors looking to explore the Katy Trail State Park.

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Links

Visit United States.
https://www.usa.gov/

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