How far is Columbia, SC from Arial, SC?
The driving distance from Columbia, SC to Arial, SC is about 117.6 miles (189.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 108.6 miles (174.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 45m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EST.
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 22m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Light Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Arial.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Arial.
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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
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 385 North: Laurens, Greenville
29.6 mi · 32 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 185, US 276: Atlanta, Mauldin, Anderson
2748 ft · 34 sec
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9
Take the exit slight left toward I 185: Atlanta, Anderson
3027 ft · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left onto Southern Connector
11.2 mi · 12 min · Southern Connector
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Easley, Clemson
697 ft · 17 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on Easley, Clemson
156 m · 12 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto Highway 153
6.8 mi · 11 min · Highway 153
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14
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward the route
8 m · 1 sec
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15
Exit the roundabout
923 ft · 38 sec
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16
Merge slight left onto Calhoun Memorial Highway
2.1 mi · 4 min · Calhoun Memorial Highway
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17
Turn slight right onto East Main Street
3.4 mi · 6 min · East Main Street
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18
Continue on Gentry Memorial Highway
1.6 mi · 3 min · Gentry Memorial Highway
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19
Turn right onto Rice Road
725 ft · 24 sec · Rice Road
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20
Turn right onto Arial Street
641 ft · 34 sec · Arial Street
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21
Turn left onto Cobb Street
607 ft · 27 sec · Cobb Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Cobb Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Arial.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
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.
Light Rain Likely leaving Columbia and Patchy Fog near Arial.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Arial?
The road trip is about 117.6 miles (189.2 km) and usually takes 02h 22m 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 58.8 miles from Columbia and 58.8 miles from Arial.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 108.6 miles (174.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 9 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 EST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:44 PM EST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.06 one way or $30.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Columbia and Patchy Fog near Arial.
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 Arial. Straight-line distance: 108.61 mi (174.79 km).
#1 Columbia
The most populous city in South Carolina.
| Population | 132,130 |
| Coordinates | 34.0007100, -81.0348100 |
| Altitude | 89 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Arial
Census-designated place in Pickens County, South Carolina
| Population | 2,543 |
| Coordinates | 34.8459500, -82.6415200 |
| Altitude | 329 |
| Country | United States |
End: Arial (-82.64152, 34.84595)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 189 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.63 | $15.06 | $30.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.08 | $16.93 | $33.86 |
| Premium | $4.49 | $18.63 | $37.25 |
| Diesel | $5.73 | $23.78 | $47.56 |
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 · Nov 05, 2026