Athens, Georgia to Columbia, South Carolina: Road Trip Guide & Distance

134.3 miles 216.1 km · straight line
167.8 miles estimated 270.1 km · driving distance
3h 23min estimated drive time
$16 - $20 estimated fuel cost
~46min flight time
88° E bearing direction

How far is Athens, Georgia from Columbia, South Carolina?

The distance from Athens, Georgia to Columbia, South Carolina is 134.3 miles (216.1 km) as the crow flies. Columbia, South Carolina is located E of Athens, Georgia. By car, the driving distance is approximately 167.8 miles, taking about 3h 23min. A direct flight would take roughly 46min. Both are located in United States — Athens, Georgia in Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina in South Carolina.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Athens, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Athens, Georgia to Columbia, South Carolina

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 3h 23min $16 - $20 Flexible stops
Fly ~46min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~4h 4min $13–$25* Budget
Train ~3h 13min $20–$59* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Athens, Georgia & Columbia, South Carolina

Quick Facts

Athens, Georgia
33.96°N, 83.38°W
America/New_York
228m elevation
Columbia, South Carolina
34.00°N, 81.03°W
America/New_York
89m elevation
Explore more routes from Columbia, South Carolina

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 45 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 11 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 185.4 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients