Columbia, SC, sits about 215 miles driving distance from Atlanta, GA, making it a straightforward road trip along I-20 West. This route typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours without heavy traffic. Straight-line air distance is roughly 193 miles.

Driving Details

The primary path heads west from Columbia via I-26 to I-20 , straight into Atlanta's core. Expect around 345 km (215 miles) total, with fuel costs near $33 at average speeds of 68 mph.

  • Time estimates : 3 hours 8 minutes optimal; up to 4+ hours in rush hour or with stops.
  • Traffic hotspots : Watch I-20 near Augusta or Atlanta's perimeter (I-285).
  • Fuel and tolls : Minimal tolls; gas varies by vehicle (e.g., 25 mpg car uses ~8.5 gallons).

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL), it's slightly shorter at 210 miles and 3.25–3.75 hours.

Starting Point| Distance| Drive Time
---|---|---
Downtown Atlanta| 215 miles 5| 3.5–4 hours 5
Midtown Atlanta| 220 miles 5| 3.5–4 hours 5
ATL Airport| 210 miles 5| 3.25–3.75 hours 5
Buckhead| 225 miles 5| 3.75–4.25 hours 5

Other Travel Options

Flying covers the 193-mile straight shot quickly, though airport hassles add time—flights from ATL to Columbia (CAE) run under an hour airborne. Buses or trains via Greyhound/Amtrak offer budget routes for $47+, taking 5+ hours.

"The trip from Columbia, SC to Atlanta, GA is a common corridor... Typical driving time: 3.5 to 4 hours."

Quick Tips

  • Best time : Avoid Atlanta rush (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM); early mornings like today (Feb 2026) often flow better.
  • Stops : Grab BBQ in Augusta midway or stretch in Lexington, SC.
  • Apps : Google Maps or Waze for real-time updates, as distances hold steady year-round.

TL;DR : Drive 215 miles in ~3.5 hours via I-20; flying's faster but less direct for most. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.