How far is Columbia, SC from Charleston, SC?
The driving distance from Columbia, SC to Charleston, SC is about 116.4 miles (187.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.9 miles (170.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 43m 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 01h 51m.
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.
Town in South Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Charleston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Charleston.
-
1
Start on Gervais Street
132 m · 18 sec · Gervais Street
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2
Continue on Gervais Street
1.1 km · 2 min · Gervais Street
-
3
Turn right onto Huger Street
2055 ft · 48 sec · Huger Street
-
4
Turn left onto Taylor Street
913 ft · 23 sec · Taylor Street
-
5
Continue on Hampton Street
1826 ft · 26 sec · Hampton Street
-
6
Continue on Jarvis Klapman Boulevard
2.6 mi · 3 min · Jarvis Klapman Boulevard
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7
Continue on Augusta Road
1.1 km · 52 sec · Augusta Road
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward Charleston
927 ft · 23 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
109.1 mi · 2 hr 1 min
-
10
Take the exit slight left toward Meeting Street, Visitor Center, Downtown
1993 ft · 53 sec
-
11
Turn right onto Meeting Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Meeting Street
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12
Turn left onto Broad Street
12 m · 1 sec · Broad Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Broad Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Charleston.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Augusta Road
Merge slight left
109 mi · 02h 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 Mostly Sunny near Charleston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Charleston?
The road trip is about 116.4 miles (187.4 km) and usually takes 01h 51m 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?
Bowman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.2 miles from Columbia and 58.3 miles from Charleston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.9 miles (170.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.5 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 2:46 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.28 one way or $32.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Columbia and Mostly Sunny near Charleston.
Stop Ideas Near Bowman
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 Bowman.
Denmark
Yemassee
Columbia
Charleston, South Carolina
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Charleston. Straight-line distance: 105.87 mi (170.38 km).
#1 Columbia
The most populous city in South Carolina.
| Population | 132,130 |
| Coordinates | 34.0007100, -81.0348100 |
| Altitude | 89 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Charleston
The most populous city in South Carolina.
| Population | 139,714 |
| Coordinates | 32.7765700, -79.9309200 |
| Altitude | 6 |
| Country | United States |
End: Broad Street (-79.930909, 32.776494)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 187 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $16.28 | $32.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $18.20 | $36.41 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $19.64 | $39.28 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $23.11 | $46.23 |
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.