Columbia, SC, USA to Cary, NC, USA from $8: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Columbia to Cary: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$8 by trainBest price
379 kmDistance
3h 55m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Columbia to Cary 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.
Columbia - Cary operators
Explore transport companies operating between Columbia and Cary, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Columbia Amtrak Station to Cary
Average Duration
4h 2mEstimated price
$8-110Contact phone
646-630-7186Website
https://www.wandacoach.gotobus.com/cgi-bin/ivyu.cgi?gid=657605&d=wanda-travel/
Bus from Columbia, SC to Raleigh, NC
Average Duration
5h 20mEstimated price
$56-82Website
aa.com
Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
3h 44mEstimated price
$80-81Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
4h 43mEstimated price
$80-81Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
5h 16mEstimated price
$80-81Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
5h 21mEstimated price
$80-81Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
5h 49mEstimated price
$80-81Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
6h 41mEstimated price
$80-81Website
delta.com
Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
4h 19mEstimated price
$80-82Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
5h 18mEstimated price
$83-82Website
united.com
Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
3h 46mEstimated price
$80-650Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
5h 44mEstimated price
$80-650Columbia to Cary: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Columbia and Cary 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.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Columbia to Cary covering a distance of 236 miles. Enjoy the journey through charming towns and lush landscapes along the way.
⛽️ The cost to travel from Columbia to Cary by car typically ranges from $40 to $65, providing an affordable and flexible option for your transportation needs. Consider fuel prices and potential tolls along the route.
🌆 Arrive in Cary after approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes of driving, ready to explore the city's vibrant culture, dining scene, and attractions.
Average price
$40 - $65
🚆 The train journey from Columbia to Cary is a convenient and scenic way to travel between the two cities. The direct train service operated by Amtrak departs once daily and takes approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes to reach Cary station.
🎟️ Train tickets for the Columbia to Cary route can vary in price, ranging from $8 to $110 depending on the class of service and booking options. Passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride while taking in the views along the way, making it a relaxing travel experience.
Departure Point
Columbia Amtrak Station
Arrival Point
Cary station
🛫 Flying from Columbia to Cary requires a connecting flight as there is no direct route available. The quickest option with one stopover takes approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes.
🔗 Airlines like United, Delta, and American provide flights from Columbia Airport to Raleigh/Durham Airport, which is the nearest airport to Cary. The total travel time from Columbia to Cary by plane is around 6 hours and 36 minutes.
💸 Prices for flights between Cary and Columbia can range from $162 to $394, depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability. Planning ahead can help secure better deals for this journey.
Departure Point
Columbia Airport
Arrival Point
Raleigh/Durham Airport. The quickest flight takes 2h 59m and has one stopover
🚌 Starting from Columbia you will embark on a scenic bus journey to Cary. The trip involves transfers and lasts approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes.
💰 Prices for the bus fare between Cary and Columbia range from $56 to $82. Prepare for a comfortable and affordable travel experience as you make your way from the heart of South Carolina to the charming town of Cary in North Carolina.
Departure Point
Columbia, SC station
Arrival Point
Raleigh, NC station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Columbia to Cary.
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The distance between Columbia and Cary is approximately 288 km or 179 miles. The typical travel time by car is around 3 hours and 55 minutes, while driving distance is approximately 380 km or 236 miles. If you prefer taking the train, it takes approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes to reach Cary from Columbia. If you choose to fly, the travel time is around 6 hours and 26 minutes. Taking a bus is another option, and it typically takes about 5 hours and 20 minutes to travel between the two cities.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Columbia to Cary is by train, with prices ranging from $8 to $110. This option takes 4 hours and 2 minutes, offering a relatively affordable and comfortable journey. However, for those looking for the quickest way to reach Cary, driving is the best option. With a travel time of 3 hours and 55 minutes, it provides a shorter duration compared to other modes of transportation.
The prices for a train ticket between Columbia and Cary range from $8 to $110, depending on the type of ticket and seating class. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Cary to Columbia range from $56 to $82.
To travel from Columbia to Cary without using public transportation, the most convenient option would be to drive. The distance is approximately 380 km and it takes about 3 hours and 55 minutes to reach Cary by car. The driving route offers flexibility and allows you to enjoy the scenic views along the way. Prices for renting a car can vary, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $65 for this journey.
The best way to travel from Columbia to Cary without a car is by train. The train journey takes around 4 hours and 2 minutes and costs between $8 and $110. Another option is to take the bus, which takes approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $55 and $85. Lastly, you can fly, which takes about 6 hours and 26 minutes and costs between $160 and $400.
Yes, there is a direct link between Columbia and Cary via train. The train service operated by Amtrak departs once daily from Columbia Amtrak Station and arrives at Cary, with a travel time of approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes. However, there is no direct bus service between the two cities. Passengers can opt for a bus journey from Columbia to Raleigh and then transfer to another bus to reach Cary, with a total travel time of around 5 hours and 20 minutes.
The flight duration from Columbia to Cary typically takes around 2 hours and 48 minutes with a stopover. However, please note that there are no direct flights available, so this time includes the layover duration. The cost of a flight between Cary and Columbia can vary between $162 and $394, depending on factors such as airline, booking time, and availability.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Cary with over 374 hotels available. Prices for hotels start at $53 per night, making it suitable for various budgets. Some popular hotels in the area include the Hyatt Place Raleigh/Cary, the Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh Cary, and the Residence Inn Raleigh Cary.