Getting Around Central SC

Central to it All

Central SC is exactly what it sounds like…central. Anchored by the state’s capital city of Columbia and eight diverse counties, Central SC provides access to the Blue Ridge Mountains to the northwest and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. In just two hours you can find yourself in Greenville, Charlotte, Asheville, Charleston, or Myrtle Beach.

The Central SC Region is part of one of South Carolina’s three largest MSAs (Columbia MSA), but you won’t be caught in traffic here. You can travel 30 miles in 30 minutes. Our impressive network of interstates – 20, 26, 77, and 95 – all run through our Region and make moving from city to city a breeze. No matter where you’re heading, we’ll get you there.

½

Of the U.S. population can be reached within a day’s drive

12

Major airports accessible via Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)

180

Destinations accessible via Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Columbia is bronze level Bike-Friendly City (repeatedly ranked in the BFC)

#6

Most bike-friendly state

Columbia Metropolitan Airport CAE

Take to the Skies

Need to catch a flight? The Central SC Region is home to numerous airports and within a short drive of others. Whether you’re flying domestically, or catching a flight for international business, you can “fly with ease” (as our major metropolitan airport – Columbia Metropolitan Airport – would say!).

 

IN REGION:

 

OUT OF REGION:

Road to Columbia, SC

Move at Your Own Pace

Sticking around? Ground travel is made easy with four major interstates crossing through the heart of South Carolina. Running east to west are I-20 and I-26, and north to south are I-77 and I-95.

If you prefer to ride rather than drive, or try an alternative way of getting around like biking, there are public and private services to get you from point A to B:

  • The COMET – Offering ride service for the Midlands, The COMET offers more than 40 routes.
  • Soda Cap Connector – Operated by The COMET, rides with the Soda Cap Connector cost just $1 and connect you to some of the top attractions in Columbia.
  • DART (Dial-A-Ride Transit) – Operated by The COMET, DART is avialable for individuals with disabilities in need of transportation.
  • Blue Bike SC – Explore the state’s capital city on two wheels with this bike sharing program.
  • Kershaw Connect – Started in Fall 2021, this new bus system service travels through Elgin, Lugoff and Camden in Kershaw County.
  • Cross County Connection – Providing route services in Orangeburg and Calhoun.
  • Fairfield Transit System – Since 1988, the transit system has been serving Fairfield residents and operates several types of services, including Transit Go, The Killian Road Express, and Deviated Fixed Route Service.
  • Greyhound routes in SC
train passenger

Ride the Rails

For those of who want to take in the view from a passenger car, AMTRAK has two stations in the Central SC Region and eight others in the state.

 

Want to learn a little more about the history of the railroad in South Carolina? Fairfield County is home to the South Carolina Railroad Museum. The museum not only offers a look back at the impact of the rail system in the state, but also entertainment opportunities with train rides, special events, and more!

Featured News & Stories

Browse our latest news and read about our ambassadors to see what life is really like in Central SC.