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Charleston, SC, USA to Columbia, SC, USA from $20: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Charleston, United States of America
to
Columbia, United States of America

How to Get from Charleston 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.

$20 by carBest price
184 kmDistance
1h 57m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Charleston 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
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
5h  29m
Estimated price
$14-176
Recommended
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
1h  57m
Estimated price
$20-30
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 184 km
Duration: 1h 57m

See more options

Company
Southeastern Stages
Bus
Average Duration
7h  3m
Estimated price
$38-60
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
1h  47m
Estimated price
$140-141
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
2h  30m
Estimated price
$148-149
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Traveling From Charleston to Columbia

The journey from Charleston to Columbia offers a striking contrast between the coastal charm of Charleston's historic architecture and vibrant culture, and Columbia's bustling college town vibe, complete with parks and museums.

Best Neighbourhoods in Columbia

Columbia boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences and attractions.

Five Points
• Vibrant nightlife with various bars and restaurants.
• Eclectic shops and local boutiques enhance the atmosphere.
Downtown Columbia
• Cultural landmarks like museums and theaters abound.
• Relaxing parks provide green spaces in the city.
Shandon
• Historic homes add unique architectural charm.
• Family-friendly with a strong community vibe.

Best Times To Visit Columbia's Attractions

Visiting Columbia can be a breeze with the right timing.

South Carolina State House
Early morning tours offer a quieter, more personal experience.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Weekdays in spring avoid crowds and showcase blooming gardens.
Columbia Museum of Art
Fridays during free admission nights draw fewer visitors, enhancing your visit.

Columbia Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Columbia enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, making spring and fall the most pleasant times to visit. Weather can influence your travel plans, so be prepared for occasional rain and humidity in summer, and cooler temperatures in winter.

Dining Recommendation

Head to Motor Supply Company Bistro for a farm-to-table experience that showcases Columbia's unique twist on Southern cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients that change daily. This casual yet vibrant atmosphere presents a refreshing contrast to Charleston's upscale seafood dining, offering bold flavors and innovative dishes that highlight the local culinary scene.

Charleston - Columbia operators

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

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

Train from Charleston Amtrak Station to Savannah

Average Duration
1h 47m
Estimated price
$140-141

Train from Savannah to Columbia Amtrak Station

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$148-149
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 404-591-2750
Website
https://southeasternstages.com

Bus from Charleston Amtrak Station to Columbia

Average Duration
2h 45m
Estimated price
$30-50

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

Traveling between Charleston 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.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from Charleston to Columbia, spanning 114 miles of picturesque South Carolina landscapes. Prepare for a pleasant drive of around 1 hour and 57 minutes, allowing for a comfortable and swift arrival in the state's vibrant capital. 💵 Indulge in the flexibility of car travel with prices ranging from $20 to $30 for the trip between Charleston and Columbia. Enjoy the convenience of charting your own course, making pit stops at charming towns or attractions along the way as you explore the Palmetto State at your own pace.
Average price
$20 - $30
🚂 Experience a scenic journey by train from Charleston to Columbia lasting approximately 5 hours and 29 minutes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as you travel through the beautiful South Carolina landscape. 💸 Ticket prices for the train ride between Charleston and Columbia can range from as low as $14 to $176, depending on the class of service and the time of booking. Make sure to plan ahead to secure the best deal for your trip.
🚌 There is no direct bus from Charleston to Columbia, but there are services with transfers that depart from Mary St / Meeting St and take approximately 7 hours and 3 minutes to reach Columbia. 🚌 The prices of a bus ticket between Columbia and Charleston can range from $38 to $60. Overall, the bus trip from Charleston to Columbia offers a convenient option for travel between the two cities in South Carolina.
Departure Point
Charleston Amtrak Station
Arrival Point
Columbia station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to check the departure times from Charleston Amtrak Station on Southeastern Stages' website (southeasternstages.com) to avoid missing your bus, as there are multiple transfers involved in the journey.
• When transferring at the N. Charleston SuperStop or any other transfer point, keep an eye on the bus schedules (available at (sctrails.net) and allow for a little extra time between connections, as delays can happen.
• Upon arrival at Columbia station, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the layout; the station has a small waiting area, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are typically available right outside the station, ensuring a smooth transition to your final destination.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Charleston to Columbia.

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The distance between Charleston and Columbia is 106 miles, with a road distance of 114 miles. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes approximately 7 hours and 34 minutes to reach Columbia from Charleston. By car, the travel time is 1 hour and 57 minutes to reach Charleston from Columbia. Lastly, by bus, it takes around 6 hours and 52 minutes to travel from Charleston to Columbia.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Charleston to Columbia is to drive. It takes approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes to complete the journey by car, and the cost is estimated to be between $20 and $30 for gas and tolls. Taking a train or bus may be cheaper, but the travel times are significantly longer, with the train taking 7 hours and 34 minutes and the bus taking 6 hours and 52 minutes. Therefore, driving is the most convenient option for this route.
When traveling from Charleston to Columbia the prices vary depending on the mode of transportation. The train ticket prices range from $13 to $176, while the bus ticket prices vary from $26 to $45. It is recommended to check online for the most up-to-date prices and availability.
To travel from Charleston to Columbia without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The distance between the two cities is 114 miles, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes to drive by car. The cost of driving from Charleston to Columbia can vary between $20 and $30, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
To travel from Charleston to Columbia without a car, the best option is by bus. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 52 minutes and typically costs between $26 and $45. Buses provide a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation, allowing passengers to sit back and relax while enjoying the scenery along the way.
Yes, there is a direct link between Charleston and Columbia. Although there is no direct bus route between the two cities, there are bus services that involve transfers and have a total travel time of approximately 6 hours and 52 minutes. These services are operated by Southeastern Stages and depart from the Charleston Amtrak Station and arrive at the Columbia station.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Columbia. With 211+ hotels to choose from, there are options to suit various budgets and preferences. Prices start at $51 per night, ensuring there are options for both affordable and luxurious stays. Whether you're looking for a budget hotel or a luxury resort, Columbia offers a wide range of accommodations to choose from.

Trips from Charleston

Trips to Columbia