Driving Cost from Charleston, South Carolina to West Columbia, South Carolina

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The Cost of a Trip from Charleston, SC to West Columbia, SC: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a trip from Charleston, SC to West Columbia, SC? Whether you're planning to drive or use public transportation like the bus or train, there are a few factors to consider when it comes to the total cost of your journey.

In this guide, we'll take a look at some of the most common routes from Charleston to West Columbia and talk about the distance, cost, and travel time associated with each one. We'll also recommend the best route to take based on current gas prices and overall convenience.

Charleston to West Columbia by Car

Your first option when it comes to getting from Charleston to West Columbia is to drive. This is a popular option for many people because it gives you more flexibility and control over your schedule. However, the cost of driving can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • The distance from Charleston to West Columbia
  • Gas prices
  • Your car's fuel efficiency
  • Tolls and taxes

Here are three possible routes from Charleston to West Columbia and some of the costs associated with each one based on current gas prices, which as of September 2021, are around $3.20 per gallon in South Carolina.

Route 1: I-26 W

The most direct route from Charleston to West Columbia is to take I-26 W. This route is approximately 110 miles and takes around two hours to drive.

One of the biggest advantages of taking this route is that there are no tolls, so you don't have to worry about any extra expenses. However, you will need to factor in gas prices and your car's fuel efficiency.

Based on the average fuel efficiency of a midsize car (around 28 miles per gallon) and current gas prices, it would cost you around $21.60 in gas to drive from Charleston to West Columbia via I-26 W.

Route 2: US-17 N and SC-48 W

Another possible route is to take US-17 N and SC-48 W. This route is slightly longer than I-26 W, clocking in at around 120 miles, but it can actually be cheaper if you're looking for ways to save money.

There are no tolls on this route, which is a plus, but it does take around two and a half hours to drive. However, because you're driving at a slower speed, you may actually save money on gas in the long run.

Based on the average fuel efficiency of a midsize car and current gas prices, it would cost you around $19.20 in gas to drive from Charleston to West Columbia via US-17 N and SC-48 W.

Route 3: I-26 W and US-21 S

Finally, you could take a combination of I-26 W and US-21 S to get from Charleston to West Columbia, which would cover a distance of around 130 miles. This route does have a toll, which costs $1.25 for regular passenger vehicles.

The total cost of tolls and gas for this trip would be around $27.43 based on the average fuel efficiency of a midsize car and current gas prices.

Charleston to West Columbia by Public Transportation

If you don't have a car or prefer not to drive, there are still several options for getting from Charleston to West Columbia. The most popular options include taking the bus or train.

Bus

Greyhound and Southeastern Stages both offer daily trips between Charleston and West Columbia. As of September 2021, tickets typically cost between $24 and $40, depending on the time of day and your preferred level of comfort.

The travel time on the bus can vary depending on the route and traffic, but it usually takes around 2-3 hours to get from Charleston to West Columbia.

Train

Amtrak offers a daily train service between Charleston and West Columbia, with tickets typically costing between $28 and $40. The travel time is around two and a half hours and there are normally two departures per day, one in the morning and one in the early afternoon.

Our Recommendation

Based on current gas prices and overall convenience, we recommend taking I-26 W if you're driving from Charleston to West Columbia. This route is the most direct and doesn't have any tolls, which is always a plus.

However, if you're looking for ways to save money, taking US-17 N and SC-48 W can be a good alternative. Just keep in mind that this route may take a bit longer to drive.

Ultimately, the choice of how to get from Charleston to West Columbia depends on your personal preferences and budget. Whether you're driving or taking public transportation, there are plenty of options for getting from point A to point B without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Getting from Charleston to West Columbia can be relatively inexpensive if you choose the right route and mode of transportation. If you're driving, we recommend taking I-26 W for the most direct route without any tolls. However, if you're looking to save money, taking US-17 N and SC-48 W can be a good alternative. With plenty of options for public transportation as well, you're sure to find a journey that suits your needs.