How far is Columbia, SC from Anderson, SC?
The driving distance from Columbia, SC to Anderson, SC is about 128.2 miles (206.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 98.5 miles (158.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 09m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 04m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Laurens County, South Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Anderson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Anderson.
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1
Start on Gervais Street
132 m · 18 sec · Gervais Street
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2
Continue on Gervais Street
554 ft · 25 sec · Gervais Street
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3
Turn right onto Assembly Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Assembly Street
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto Elmwood Avenue
2827 ft · 1 min · Elmwood Avenue
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5
Continue straight
3.8 mi · 5 min
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6
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 1 hr 1 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 385 North: Laurens, Greenville
22.9 mi · 25 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward SC 418: Fountain Inn, Pelzer
1153 ft · 37 sec
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9
Turn left onto McCarter Road
2226 ft · 42 sec · McCarter Road
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10
Continue on Milacron Drive
1.3 mi · 2 min · Milacron Drive
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11
Continue on Highway 418
9.9 mi · 15 min · Highway 418
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12
Turn left onto Augusta Road
548 ft · 12 sec · Augusta Road
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13
Turn right onto Cooley Bridge Road
5.6 mi · 8 min · Cooley Bridge Road
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14
Continue on Highway 247
3.6 mi · 5 min · Highway 247
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15
Continue on River Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · River Street
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16
Turn left onto North Main Street
114 m · 12 sec · North Main Street
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17
Turn right onto Anderson Street
2.3 mi · 3 min · Anderson Street
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18
Continue on Belton Highway
4.7 mi · 7 min · Belton Highway
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19
Continue on East River Street
3.6 mi · 5 min · East River Street
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20
Turn right onto South Fant Street
1272 ft · 35 sec · South Fant Street
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21
Turn left onto East Whitner Street
1405 ft · 50 sec · East Whitner Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Whitner Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Anderson.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Elmwood Avenue
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 01h 01m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Columbia and Sunny near Anderson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Anderson?
The road trip is about 128.2 miles (206.3 km) and usually takes 02h 04m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Clinton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.7 miles from Columbia and 69.5 miles from Anderson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 98.5 miles (158.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.7 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:20 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.94 one way or $35.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Columbia and Sunny near Anderson.
Stop Ideas Near Clinton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Clinton.
Spartanburg
Greenville
Clemson
Columbia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Anderson. Straight-line distance: 98.57 mi (158.64 km).
#1 Columbia
The most populous city in South Carolina.
| Population | 132,130 |
| Coordinates | 34.0007100, -81.0348100 |
| Altitude | 89 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Anderson
City in South Carolina
| Population | 27,701 |
| Coordinates | 34.5034400, -82.6501300 |
| Altitude | 240 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Whitner Street (-82.650138, 34.503481)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 206 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $17.94 | $35.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $20.06 | $40.13 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $21.64 | $43.29 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $25.48 | $50.95 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in South Carolina · Apr 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.