A small, convenient transport hub, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is one of a few entry points for visitors to the 'Palmetto State' of South Carolina.
Flights to Columbia Metropolitan Airport are operated by American carriers offering short connections to bigger, international airports such as Chicago O'Hare, New York’s LaGuardia, and Washington-Dulles.
South Carolina is often overlooked as a major tourist destination, but it is a beautiful state, offering plenty of outdoor activities, and down-home southern hospitality. Make sure you check out the Riverbank Botanical Gardens – one of the most beautiful urban parks in the whole of North America.
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<div class="rxbodyfield">Not applicable – Columbia Metropolitan Airport has only one terminal building.</div>
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Airport taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building during the day. It will cost a maximum of $20 to get downtown and take only about 15 minutes.
Bus: There is a public bus service (Bus Route 28A) between the airport and downtown Columbia, provided by The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority. The buses stop just outside the lower level of the terminal building, through the exits from baggage claim (between the terminal building and the Airport Police booth). The buses arrive (and depart shortly thereafter) at 7:57am, 8:57am, 3:18pm, and 4:18pm every day. Tickets are under $3.
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The new multi-level parking garage at Columbia Metropolitan Airport offers space for more than 3,500 vehicles. You can choose between 'surface' (uncovered) parking, covered parking (within the garage), and valet parking. Fees are as follows: for surface parking, $1 for every 20 minutes, with a daily maximum of $8. Covered parking is free for the first 20 minutes, $3 for 20-40 minutes, and $1 for every 20 minutes after that, with a daily maximum of $12 and a weekly rate of $66. Valet parking charges a flat rate of $14.
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Money and communications: There is an ATM located in the upper level of the terminal building, near the shopping area.
Luggage: There is a lost and found office, located in the lower level of the terminal building, near the baggage claim area.
Conference and business: Columbia Metropolitan Airport has a business center, open from 6am to 6pm on weekdays. You'll find it in the main lobby of the terminal building. Facilities include computer workstations, a fax and photocopy machine, a lounge, and a kitchen area. The Carolina Room (lower level, down the passage from baggage claim) can accommodate groups of up to 80 people. In addition, hard-wired ethernet ports are located all over the airport.
Shopping: A very basic selection of shops and kiosks can be found in the upper level of the terminal building (near the boarding gates), selling travel accessories, books, newspapers and magazines, snacks, souvenirs and gifts.
Food and drink: A restaurant area is located in the upper level of the terminal building, where the boarding gates are. Here, you can find a small selection of cafes and snack outlets, a restaurant proudly selling 'American food', and a couple of bars.
Other facilities: Other facilities at Columbia Metropolitan Airport include the Everett Adams Memorial Chapel, a Columbia City Police precinct, vending machines, and basic access and facilities for disabled passengers.
Wi-Fi: Fast, free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminal building.
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