- Must visit
Mint Museum Uptown
Charlotte’s leading art museum in the center city, known for American, contemporary, and craft and design collections.
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
1 h 30 m
Average duration
1 h 30 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
137 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Columbia, SC to Charlotte, NC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Columbia, SC to Charlotte, NC will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
Of the 1 buses that leave Columbia, SC for Charlotte, NC on Sat, Jul 11, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 11 the direct buses cover the 137 km distance in an average of 1 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 30 m .
On Sat, Jul 11 the slowest buses will take 1 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Columbia, SC to Charlotte, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $56.
Distance: 85 miles (137 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price Cheapest | $90 Average price | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 34m Average total duration 7h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Columbia, SC to Charlotte, NC:
A bus is $68 (€56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Columbia, SC to Charlotte, NC costing on average $90 (€74).
Other travel options to Charlotte, NC take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 4m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
The table below shows live departures for Columbia, SC to Charlotte, NC buses for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:00 AM Columbia, SC | 1h30 | 4:30 AM Charlotte, NC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Columbia, SC to Charlotte, NC run on average 1 times per day, taking around 1h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:00, the last at 03:00. The fastest bus covers the 85 miles (137 km) distance in 1h 30m.
Distance 85 miles (137 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 30m |
First bus 3:00 AM |
Last bus 3:00 AM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Charlotte — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charlotte trip today.
Charlotte’s leading art museum in the center city, known for American, contemporary, and craft and design collections.
A major interactive museum dedicated to stock car racing history, star drivers, and hands-on exhibits.
The original Mint Museum campus, set in Eastover, with decorative arts, fashion, and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s main visitor district, packed with museums, towers, plazas, and skyline views.
Charlotte’s trendiest neighborhood, known for rail-trail walks, murals, adaptive reuse spaces, and strong social media appeal.
A large urban park with a lake, trails, bridges, and picnic lawns, favored by both locals and visitors.
Slow-smoked pork shoulder, usually chopped or pulled and dressed with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. It is a defining barbecue style across the Carolinas and a staple around Charlotte.
Pork shoulder smoked over hardwood and served with a red slaw made with ketchup and vinegar. This Piedmont North Carolina specialty is widely loved in the Charlotte area.
A creamy Southern spread made from cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, often served with crackers, toast, or as a sandwich filling. It is a classic snack and starter in Charlotte.
Established fine-dining restaurant in a historic house, known for seasonal New American cuisine and an elegant atmosphere.
Stylish Southern kitchen in NoDa serving fried chicken, biscuits, cocktails, and Carolina-inspired comfort food.
Popular Charlotte barbecue restaurant known for brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and a lively casual atmosphere.
Costs are moderate for a major U.S. city. Dining and hotels vary by area, with Uptown usually pricier.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbia, SC to Charlotte, NC by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Charlotte, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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