Columbia SC to Charlotte NC drive: Distance, time & best stops
The distance from Columbia SC to Charlotte NC by car is 93 miles, with a 1h57m driving time. The best road trip stops on the Columbia SC to Charlotte NC drive are Lake Wateree State Park, Rock Hill SC and Canaan Zipline Canopy Tours.
Planning a Columbia SC to Charlotte NC road trip itinerary
The Columbia SC to Charlotte NC drive takes you from the capital of South Carolina to the biggest city in North Carolina.
Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina. Top attractions include the South Carolina State Museum, which looks at the rich history of the state, but does so in a surprisingly fun way, with a digital planetarium and 4D theater.
But the city’s real appeal is in the numerous parks along the Broad River. These include the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
For well-rated Columbia accommodation options, try the academia-themed Graduate and the characterful Hotel Trundle.
Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina. Major attractions include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the thrill-packed Carowinds amusement park and the Billy Graham Library. Another popular option is the Sea Life aquarium.
For top Charlotte activities, try historical city tours by golf cart, Segway tours through the Uptown neighbourhood and after dark ghost tours.
Columbia SC to Charlotte NC distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Columbia SC to Charlotte NC is 93 miles. You can expect a driving time of around one hour and 37 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-77.
The best stops to add to a Columbia SC to Charlotte road trip itinerary are Lake Wateree State Park, Rock Hill SC and Canaan Zipline Canopy Tours.
Columbia SC to Charlotte drive: Lake Wateree State Park
Lake Wateree State Park is largely based around the lake. Fishing is permitted from anywhere on the bank, with bream, catfish and bass all regularly caught. It’s also possible to rent canoes and kayaks to head out on the water.
There’s a designated swimming area with a gentle slope and sandy bottom, a 2.3 mile looping walking trail and a playground next to the park store.
Best stops between Columbia SC and Charlotte: Rock Hill SC
Rock Hill SC is essentially a suburb of Charlotte, even though the state border runs between them. The main attraction here is the Glencairn Garden, which comes with ponds, boardwalks and a performance stage. Azaleas, dogwoods and camellias are among the flowers on display.
Meanwhile, the Main Street Children’s Museum is designed for young infants to learn a little while playing.
Columbia SC to Charlotte road trip attractions: Canaan Zipline Canopy Tours
On Fewell Island in the middle of the Catawba River, Canaan Zipline Canopy Tours uses the island location to its advantage, with the ziplines whizzing back and forth across the river. The full tour takes about three hours, and includes nine ziplines. The largest of these is 900ft long. There’s also a 70ft tower to scale.
More Columbia SC road trips
Columbia SC to Asheville | Columbia SC to Atlanta | Columbia SC to Augusta | Columbia SC to Jacksonville | Columbia SC to Myrtle Beach | Columbia SC to Nashville | Columbia SC to Orlando | Columbia SC to Raleigh NC | Columbia SC to Tampa | Columbia SC to Wilmington NC.
More Charlotte road trips
Anderson SC to Charlotte | Charlotte to Asheville | Charlotte to Atlanta | Augusta GA to Charlotte | Charlotte to Charleston | Charlotte to Chicago | Charlotte to Greenville | Houston to Charlotte | Jacksonville to Charlotte | Washington DC to Charlotte.