How far is Columbia, SC from Saluda, SC?
The driving distance from Columbia, SC to Saluda, SC is about 46 miles (74.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 42.3 miles (68 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 20m 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 10m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Saluda.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Saluda.
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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
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3
Turn right onto Huger Street
2055 ft · 48 sec · Huger Street
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4
Turn left onto Taylor Street
913 ft · 23 sec · Taylor Street
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5
Continue on Hampton Street
1826 ft · 26 sec · Hampton Street
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6
Continue on Jarvis Klapman Boulevard
2.6 mi · 3 min · Jarvis Klapman Boulevard
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7
Continue on Augusta Road
7.7 mi · 12 min · Augusta Road
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8
Continue on East Main Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
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9
Continue on West Main Street
3211 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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10
Turn slight right
17.4 mi · 25 min
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Columbia Highway
131 m · 15 sec · Columbia Highway
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12
Exit the roundabout onto Columbia Highway
14.1 mi · 21 min · Columbia Highway
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13
Turn left onto North Main Street
1900 ft · 36 sec · North Main Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Saluda.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Longest stretch
Turn slight right
17.4 mi · 00h 25m
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 Saluda.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Saluda?
The road trip is about 46 miles (74.1 km) and usually takes 01h 10m 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?
Gilbert is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23 miles from Columbia and 23.1 miles from Saluda.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 42.3 miles (68 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.7 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 4:10 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.42 one way or $12.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Columbia and Sunny near Saluda.
Stop Ideas Near Gilbert
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 Gilbert.
Columbia
Denmark
Camden
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Saluda. Straight-line distance: 42.23 mi (67.96 km).
#1 Columbia
The most populous city in South Carolina.
| Population | 132,130 |
| Coordinates | 34.0007100, -81.0348100 |
| Altitude | 89 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Saluda
Town in South Carolina
| Population | 3,566 |
| Coordinates | 34.0015200, -81.7720500 |
| Altitude | 146 |
| Country | United States |
End: Saluda (-81.77205, 34.00152)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 74 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $6.42 | $12.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $7.17 | $14.35 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $7.74 | $15.48 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $9.11 | $18.22 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.