Why go
- Capital city of South Carolina, United States.
- Served by Jim Hamilton L.B. Owens Airport (CUB).
History
Columbia is the capital of the U.S. state of South Carolina and the second-most populous city in the state. With an estimated population of 147,035 in 2025, it is the principal city of the Columbia metropolitan area, the second-largest metropolitan area in South Carolina, with an estimated population of 879,918 in 2025. Columbia serves as the county seat of Richland County, while portions of the city extend into neighboring Lexington and Kershaw counties. The city's name derives from "Columbia", a historic poetic personification of the United States, and is commonly shortened to "Cola", inspiring the nickname "Soda City".
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 7 airlines, 10 direct destinations
- American Airlines AA (CRJ, DH8, ERJ-145) · 4 routes: Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth*, Philadelphia*, Washington
- US Airways US (CRJ, Dash 8-300, ERJ-145) · 4 routes: Charlotte*, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia*, Washington
- Delta Air Lines DL (CRJ, A319, 717, MD-88) · 3 routes: Atlanta, Detroit*, New York*
- United Airlines UA (CRJ, ERJ) · 3 routes: Chicago*, Houston*, Washington*
- Air France AF (A319, 717, CRJ, MD-88) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Alitalia AZ (CRJ) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL (A319, 717, MD-88, CRJ) · 1 route: Atlanta*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Jim Hamilton L.B. Owens Airport (CUB); 20 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: CAE has direct flights to 10 destinations on 7 airlines (incl. Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia, Washington…).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Columbia, South Carolina. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.