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Charlotte, NC, USA to Columbia, SC, USA from $16: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Charlotte, United States
to
Columbia, United States

How to Get from Charlotte to Columbia: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$16 by carBest price
149 kmDistance
1h 36m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Charlotte to Columbia with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Average Duration
8h 
Estimated price
$15-203
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  36m
Estimated price
$16-25
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 149 km
Duration: 1h 36m

See more options

Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
8h  25m
Estimated price
$60-114
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h 
Estimated price
$236-150
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  44m
Estimated price
$244-374

Charlotte - Columbia operators

Explore transport companies operating between Charlotte and Columbia, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Charlotte Amtrak Station to Cary

Average Duration
2h 51m
Estimated price
$2032-2033

Train from Cary to Columbia Amtrak Station

Average Duration
4h 9m
Estimated price
$604-605
Bus
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Charlotte Bus Station to Fayetteville Bus Station

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$151-608

Bus from Fayetteville to Columbia

Average Duration
3h 55m
Estimated price
$600-20325
Plane
Website
http://aa.com

Plane from Charlotte (CLT) to Columbia (CAE)

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$156-157

Plane from Charlotte (CLT) to Augusta (AGS)

Average Duration
1h 14m
Estimated price
$158-159
Website
http://delta.com

Plane from Charlotte (CLT) to Augusta (AGS)

Average Duration
3h 12m
Estimated price
$2030-2031
Other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 404-591-2750
Website
https://southeasternstages.com/

Other from Fayetteville to Columbia

Average Duration
3h 55m
Estimated price
$600-20325

Charlotte to Columbia: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Charlotte and Columbia offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

Traveling by train from Charlotte to Columbia, offers a convenient and affordable option. Although there is no direct train service, Amtrak operates a route with a transfer in Cary, with the journey lasting approximately 8 hours. Departing from Charlotte Amtrak Station and arriving at Columbia Amtrak Station, the train provides a comfortable and relaxing mode of transportation. With ticket prices ranging from $15 to $203, travelers have the flexibility to choose the fare that best fits their budget. Overall, the train journey between these two cities offers a scenic and hassle-free travel experience.
Departure Point
Charlotte Amtrak Station
Arrival Point
Columbia Amtrak Station
The quickest and most convenient way to travel from Charlotte to Columbia is by taking a direct flight, which has a travel time of just 1 hour. American Airlines offers flights between Charlotte Airport and Columbia Airport, making it easy to find a suitable flight for your schedule. The total travel time, including getting to and from the airports, is approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes, making it a quick journey overall. Overall, flying from Charlotte to Columbia is a fast and efficient way to travel between these two cities.
Departure Point
Charlotte Airport
Arrival Point
Columbia Airport
The bus journey from Charlotte to Columbia, involves a transfer at Fayetteville and takes approximately 8 hours and 25 minutes. The service is operated by Greyhound USA and Southeastern Stages. The bus departs from the Charlotte Bus Station and arrives at the Columbia station. The ticket prices for this route range from $37 to $99, offering an affordable travel option for those looking to explore the two cities. Although there is no direct bus, this trip provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenery and relax during the journey.
Departure Point
Charlotte Bus Station
Arrival Point
Columbia station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Before your trip, check the schedules of both Greyhound USA and Southeastern Stages, as their services may have different departure times and frequency; you can find schedules on their websites: Greyhound and Southeastern Stages.
• Pack snacks and drinks for the journey, especially since there might be limited dining options at layover points, particularly in Fayetteville, where the bus change occurs; consider checking out local dining options through Yelp for a quick meal during your transfer.
• Upon arriving at the Columbia Greyhound Station, take note of the local bus services, like the Midlands Regional Transit Authority (MRTA), which can help you navigate the city easily; you can find their routes and schedules here: MRTA.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Charlotte to Columbia.

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The cheapest way to travel from Charlotte to Columbia is by driving. The estimated cost is typically between $16 and $25 for the round trip, which includes fuel and toll fees. The average travel time by car is around 1 hour and 36 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The fastest way to travel from Charlotte to Columbia is to drive. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of driving is estimated to be between $16 and $25 for the round trip.
It is approximately 86 miles or 138 kilometers from Charlotte to Columbia. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 92 miles or 149 kilometers. The travel time by car is usually around 1 hour and 36 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The best way to travel from Charlotte to Columbia without a car is by train. The Amtrak Carolinian and Palmetto lines both offer service between the two cities. The journey takes approximately 8 hours, and ticket prices range from $14 to $210, depending on the class of service and availability.
The approximate travel time from Charlotte to Columbia is 8 hours, which includes any necessary transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Charlotte to Columbia is by bus, with prices ranging from $35 to $100. However, the bus journey takes approximately 8 hours and 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for a train, which takes around 8 hours and costs between $14 and $210. If you prefer a faster option, flying is available, but it is more expensive, with prices ranging from $240 to $380, and a flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Columbia. With over 211 hotels to choose from, visitors can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in Columbia start at around $51 per night.
Yes, you can definitely drive from Charlotte to Columbia. The distance between the two cities is 150 km, and it typically takes around 1 hour and 36 minutes to drive depending on traffic conditions. Driving is also the cheapest option, costing around $16 to $25, considering only the fuel expenses.
Yes, there is a bus service available between Charlotte and Columbia, but it is not a direct route. The bus departs from Charlotte Bus Station and makes a stop in Fayetteville before reaching Columbia. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 8 hours and 25 minutes.
You can catch the bus from Charlotte to Columbia at the Charlotte Bus Station. The bus services are operated by Greyhound USA.
The Charlotte to Columbia bus arrives at Columbia station. Southeastern Stages operates this bus service. Columbia station is conveniently located in downtown Columbia, making it convenient for passengers to access various attractions and destinations within the city.
To get to Columbia from Charlotte Airport, you can take a shuttle service. Several companies provide shuttle services between the two cities, and they typically offer affordable rates. Alternatively, you can also rent a car from the airport and drive to Columbia, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you prefer public transportation, you can take a taxi or ride-share service to the Charlotte Amtrak station and then take a train to Columbia.
American Airlines is the primary airline that offers flights between Charlotte and Columbia. They operate regular flights from Charlotte Airport to Columbia Airport. Other airlines may offer occasional flights on this route, but American Airlines is the most reliable and consistent option.
The fastest way to get from Charlotte to Columbia is by taking a direct flight. American Airlines offers flights from Charlotte Airport to Columbia Airport, which typically takes around 1 hour. The duration of the entire journey, including check-in and boarding, generally takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes. The prices for flights between the two cities can range from $244 to $374.
The flight from Charlotte to Columbia is typically 1 hour in duration.
Trains from Charlotte to Columbia arrive at the Columbia Amtrak Station. The Amtrak service is a convenient and reliable option for travelers looking to reach Columbia from Charlotte. The Columbia Amtrak Station is located in the heart of downtown Columbia, making it a convenient arrival point for visitors.
No, there is no direct train between Charlotte and Columbia. However, there are train services that depart from Charlotte Amtrak Station and arrive at Columbia Amtrak Station via Cary. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 8 hours.
To catch the train from Charlotte to Columbia you will need to go to the Charlotte Amtrak Station. This is the designated departure point for Amtrak train services between the two cities.
The cost of a flight from Charlotte to Columbia can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. On average, prices range from $244 to $374 for a round-trip ticket.
The cost of a train ticket from Charlotte to Columbia can range from $15 to $203 depending on the class of service and how far in advance the ticket is purchased.
The cost of a bus from Charlotte to Columbia depends on the specific bus service and the date and time of travel. Generally, the prices range from $37 to $99.
The cost to drive from Charlotte to Columbia can range from $16 to $25, depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency. The distance between the two cities is approximately 93 miles, and the average driving time is around 1 hour and 36 minutes.