Columbia, South Carolina, known affectionately as Soda City, blends small-town charm with the steady energy of a growing state capital. From college game days and government business to Southern weddings and family vacations, Columbia moves to a rhythm that’s uniquely its own—and so do the people coming and going from its central airport.
While Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) isn’t the largest in the region, it’s the preferred airport for locals and frequent flyers across the Midlands. And for residents in Forest Acres, Lake Murray, Lexington, Northeast Columbia, and beyond, getting to the airport easily and reliably has become an important part of daily life.
This guide takes a hyper-local look at airport transportation in and around Columbia, offering insights for both travelers and locals navigating one of the most overlooked, but essential, pieces of the travel puzzle.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE): Convenient, Calm, and Close
Just 7 miles southwest of downtown Columbia in West Columbia, CAE is known for its easy parking, short security lines, and pleasant layout. It serves a range of regional and national destinations through major carriers like American, Delta, and United. For travelers heading to hubs like Charlotte, Atlanta, or Dallas, it’s a low-stress alternative to larger airports—one that more and more locals are choosing.
Whether you’re flying out for business in Charlotte, heading to a wedding in Charleston, or escaping to the mountains or coast for the weekend, CAE offers one of the most manageable airport experiences in the Southeast.
Getting to the Airport from Columbia’s Core Neighborhoods
Columbia's layout makes the drive to CAE fairly straightforward—unless you hit it during peak traffic hours on I-26 or get caught behind a train on one of the many crossings between Rosewood and Cayce. Understanding the local traffic patterns and route options is crucial.
From Downtown/The Vista: Expect about 15–20 minutes with light traffic. Hug Huger Street or take the Blossom Street Bridge to I-26.
From Forest Acres: Typically a 25–30 minute ride, depending on Gervais Street traffic and whether you cut through downtown or circle around I-77.
From Lexington: Many travelers opt for Highway 378 straight to the airport area, avoiding downtown congestion entirely.
From Northeast Columbia: Expect 35–45 minutes depending on time of day, especially near Two Notch Road or Killian Road during rush hour.
For early-morning flights, it’s worth budgeting an extra 10–15 minutes to accommodate unpredictable city traffic, especially around major intersections and during Gamecock football weekends.
Private Car Service: A Growing Preference
While Columbia does offer taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, many residents and business travelers are turning to private car services for peace of mind, especially when the airport trip needs to be precise.
We spoke with several long-time Columbia travelers who noted that during peak hours or on early flight days, rideshare availability in some neighborhoods—especially farther out like Chapin or Elgin—can be limited or unreliable. Private airport transfer services offer guaranteed pickup times, professional drivers familiar with local roadways, and an overall smoother experience. This is particularly valued by families with small children, travelers with lots of luggage, and older adults who prefer door-to-door service without the stress.
In areas like Lake Murray, where larger homes and vacation rentals are common, and Five Points, where parking is often a challenge, private transport ensures a comfortable start or end to the journey.
Rideshare Realities in Columbia
Uber and Lyft do operate in Columbia, but availability can fluctuate significantly depending on time of day and season. During university events at USC or festivals like St. Pat’s in Five Points, wait times can spike. In suburban areas, especially during early mornings or late nights, a rideshare driver may be 15–20 minutes away, or worse—not available at all.
Locals in Shandon and Chapin have reported better success with scheduling their rides in advance through the app, though this still comes with potential for last-minute driver cancellations. For travelers needing to catch a 6 a.m. flight or arriving home late from a connection, that uncertainty often isn’t worth the gamble.
Hotel Shuttles and Park & Ride Options
Several airport-area hotels—like those off Columbia Airport Expressway—offer free or low-cost shuttle service to CAE. These can be useful for out-of-town visitors or those returning from longer trips who choose to stay overnight near the airport. Some also provide extended parking packages for travelers leaving their vehicle while away, a useful option for residents in Irmo or St. Andrews who don’t want to leave a car parked outdoors at home.
Long-term parking at CAE is safe, affordable, and typically available, but during holidays, it’s a good idea to arrive a little early to secure a space near the shuttle pickup zones.
Local Insight: Travel in the Midlands Is All About Timing
In Columbia, the key to stress-free airport travel is local awareness—knowing when to leave, which roads to take, and what events might be clogging the streets. Whether you’re heading out of Woodcreek Farms on a weekday morning or getting dropped off near the USC campus on a Sunday afternoon, timing your trip can make the difference between a relaxed check-in or a rushed run through security.
For locals who travel often, investing in a reliable transportation option—whether that’s a trusted driver, a go-to car service, or a mapped-out route with backup plans—has become part of the routine.
