Columbia, South Carolina to Durham, North Carolina: Road Trip Guide & Distance

183.2 miles 294.9 km · straight line
229 miles estimated 368.6 km · driving distance
4h 36min estimated drive time
$22 - $27 estimated fuel cost
~52min flight time
41° NE bearing direction

How far is Columbia, South Carolina from Durham, North Carolina?

The distance from Columbia, South Carolina to Durham, North Carolina is 183.2 miles (294.9 km) as the crow flies. Durham, North Carolina is located NE of Columbia, South Carolina. By car, the driving distance is approximately 229 miles, taking about 4h 36min. A direct flight would take roughly 52min. Both are located in United States — Columbia, South Carolina in South Carolina and Durham, North Carolina in North 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 Columbia, South Carolina and Durham, North 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 Columbia, South Carolina to Durham, North Carolina

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 4h 36min $22 - $27 Flexible stops
Fly ~52min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~5h 31min $18–$34* Budget
Train ~4h 22min $27–$80* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Columbia, South Carolina & Durham, North Carolina

Quick Facts

Columbia, South Carolina
34.00°N, 81.03°W
America/New_York
89m elevation
Durham, North Carolina
35.99°N, 78.90°W
America/New_York
123m elevation
Explore more routes from Durham, North Carolina

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 61 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 15 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 135.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients