How far is Columbia, SC from Sumter, SC?
The driving distance from Columbia, SC to Sumter, SC is about 44 miles (70.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 40.1 miles (64.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 01m 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 00m.
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.
Human settlement in Richland County, South Carolina, United States of America
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 Sumter.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Sumter.
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1
Start on Gervais Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · Gervais Street
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2
Turn right onto Millwood Avenue
1.4 mi · 3 min · Millwood Avenue
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3
Continue on Devine Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · Devine Street
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4
Continue on Garners Ferry Road
36.2 mi · 46 min · Garners Ferry Road
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5
Keep slight right to continue on Broad Street
3.2 mi · 5 min · Broad Street
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6
Continue on North Washington Street
2266 ft · 51 sec · North Washington Street
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7
Turn left onto West Liberty Street
966 ft · 20 sec · West Liberty Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Liberty Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Sumter.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Garners Ferry Road
Continue on Garners Ferry Road
36.2 mi · 00h 46m
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 Sumter.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Sumter?
The road trip is about 44 miles (70.8 km) and usually takes 01h 00m 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?
Eastover is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22 miles from Columbia and 22 miles from Sumter.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 40.1 miles (64.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.9 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 EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:28 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.14 one way or $12.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Columbia and Sunny near Sumter.
Stop Ideas Near Eastover
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 Eastover.
Columbia
Camden
Denmark
Kingstree
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Sumter. Straight-line distance: 40.12 mi (64.56 km).
#1 Columbia
The most populous city in South Carolina.
| Population | 132,130 |
| Coordinates | 34.0007100, -81.0348100 |
| Altitude | 89 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sumter
City in and county seat of Sumter County, South Carolina, United States
| Population | 39,439 |
| Coordinates | 33.9204400, -80.3414700 |
| Altitude | 52 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Liberty Street (-80.341474, 33.920409)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 71 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $6.14 | $12.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $6.86 | $13.73 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $7.41 | $14.81 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $8.72 | $17.43 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.