Columbia, South Carolina to Gatlinburg: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Columbia, South Carolina from Gatlinburg?

The distance from Columbia, South Carolina to Gatlinburg is 183.6 miles (295.5 km) as the crow flies. Gatlinburg is located NW of Columbia, South Carolina. By car, the driving distance is approximately 229.5 miles, taking about 4h 37min. A direct flight would take roughly 52min. Both are located in United States — Columbia, South Carolina in South Carolina and Gatlinburg in Tennessee.

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. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. 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 Gatlinburg. 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.