Jackson, MS to Columbia, SC

State capital to state capital route

12h 48m
Drive Time
704
Miles
$82
Gas Cost
5
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Jackson Ms to Columbia Sc?

The drive from Jackson Ms to Columbia Sc takes approximately 12h 48m, covering 704 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $82 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 17–18+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
10h 53m
🔵 Typical
12h 48m
🔴 Heavy traffic
18h 34m

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

Route Details

Distance704 miles
Drive Time12h 48min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$82
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$97-$132

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 1 fuel stop along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Jackson Ms to Columbia Sc

For a long drive like Jackson Ms 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
12h 48m
~$82 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 54m
~$106–$246 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 24m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
12h 48m
~$82
🚌 Bus
15h 39m
~$56–$127
🚂 Train
12h 48m
~$84–$211

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 Jackson, MS to Columbia, SC?
The drive takes approximately 12 hours and 48 minutes covering 704 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 23 gallons of gas, costing approximately $82 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.