Austin, TX to Columbia, SC

State capital to state capital route

23h 51m
Drive Time
1312
Miles
$153
Gas Cost
10
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Austin Tx to Columbia Sc?

The drive from Austin Tx to Columbia Sc takes approximately 23h 51m, covering 1312 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $153 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 32–33+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
20h 16m
🔵 Typical
23h 51m
🔴 Heavy traffic
34h 35m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1312 miles
Drive Time23h 51min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$153
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$168-$203

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 3 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Austin Tx to Columbia Sc

For a long drive like Austin Tx to Columbia Sc, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
23h 51m
~$153 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 7m
~$197–$459 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 37m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
23h 51m
~$153
🚌 Bus
29h 9m
~$105–$236
🚂 Train
23h 51m
~$157–$394

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Austin, TX to Columbia, SC?
The drive takes approximately 23 hours and 51 minutes covering 1312 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 43 gallons of gas, costing approximately $153 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.