If you’ve got a layover in Columbia, don’t let it go to waste sitting at CAE. The city, in United States, is within easy reach — roughly 40 minutes by Taxi/Rideshare. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of CAE:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-minute journey each way by Taxi/Rideshare, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
What’s Worth Seeing in Columbia
If you head into Columbia, here are two things worth checking out:
South Carolina State House is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Columbia Museum of Art is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside CAE, you can spend time at USO Lounge / Military Welcome Center or try Paradies Shops. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Columbia Layover
In Columbia
If you make it into town, Motor Supply Co. Bistro is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe.
Inside CAE
If you’re staying in the terminal, Fatz Cafe Express is your main option. Jimmy John’s works too if you want something quick.
Getting to Columbia from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Rideshare | ~40 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~60 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi/Rideshare is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Columbia might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$18 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$37 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Storing Your Luggage at Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Specific locker facilities at CAE aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Columbia itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CAE, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Columbia itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at CAE include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Columbia exploring the streets or relaxing at CAE, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.