The single terminal handles domestic flights to major cities in the southeastern United States.
Gateway to Columbia, capital of South Carolina, with the famous Vista district and Five Points as the hearts of city life.
How to get to Columbia Metropolitan Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to CAE
Parking near Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Surface parking costs $12/day; garage parking costs $2 per 30 minutes, capped at $17/day.
How to get to Columbia from CAE
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Columbia Metropolitan Airport
All major car rental companies are represented at the terminal.
Driver's license, passport, and credit card are sufficient; an International Driving Permit is not required for short stays if the license is in Latin characters.
Hotels near Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Harbison (airport area, on I-26)
About 12 minutes by car from the terminal along I-26; downtown Columbia is another 10-15 minutes.
Best for: Anyone with a dawn flight or a short stopover who wants the closest area to the terminal among those in this guide.
- The closest to the terminal among the areas in this guide
- Columbiana Centre and the area's restaurants just minutes away
- An area of shopping centers, with little connection to the historic downtown
- You'll still need a car or a taxi to get around
Downtown and Main Street
15-20 minutes by car or taxi from the airport; there's no direct bus, so you'll need a taxi or rideshare.
Best for: Anyone who wants the Main Street Historic District, the South Carolina State House, and downtown bars within walking distance.
- The Main Street Historic District and the South Carolina State House within walking distance
- A range of price points, from boutique to grand historic hotel
- Parking is almost always paid
- The area is quieter on weekends when university students are away
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Trundle Three restored historic buildings on Taylor Street, with local beer or wine offered at check-in and artisanal breakfast included. View availability
- Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel A 1912 building on Main Street, a 5-minute walk from the State House and the Columbia Museum of Art. View availability
Fort Jackson and the northeast district
25-30 minutes by car or taxi from the airport, on the opposite side of the city from the terminal; there's no direct bus.
Best for: Anyone visiting a recruit at Fort Jackson or working in the city's northeast economic district.
- A few minutes from Fort Jackson, handy for ceremonies and recruit visits
- Generally lower prices than downtown
- The farthest from the airport among the areas in this guide
- An area of highway interchanges, with little to do on foot in the evening
Recommended hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Northeast On Farrow Road near exit 19 off I-77, a few minutes from Fort Jackson, with a heated indoor pool. View availability
- Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Northeast/Fort Jackson Area A lounge-style lobby designed for business travel, with an outdoor pool and an in-house restaurant in the evening. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
All domestic flights pass through the airport's single terminal.
An advance time of 2-2.5 hours is the standard recommendation for flights.
Map of Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How often does The COMET bus from the airport run?
Every 2 hours: always plan the schedule carefully before relying on this option.
Q. What is the Soda Cap Connector?
A 1 USD service by The COMET that connects the main points of interest in downtown Columbia, such as the Vista and Five Points.
Q. How much does The COMET bus cost from the airport?
2 USD, for a ride of about 20 minutes.
Q. What are the Vista and Five Points in Columbia?
Two central neighborhoods known for restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights