Driving from Bloomington, Indiana to Columbia, South Carolina: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning a road trip from Bloomington, Indiana to Columbia, South Carolina? If so, you’re in for a fun adventure! But before you hit the road, it’s important to know the best and worst options for getting from point A to point B. Here’s everything you need to know about the time it takes to drive from Bloomington to Columbia.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route to take from Bloomington to Columbia is I-65 S and I-24 E. This route stretches across four states and covers approximately 530 miles. It takes around 8 hours to drive without making any stops. If you’re making good time and there is little traffic, you might be able to shave off a bit of time from your journey.

The Slowest Route

If you’re in no rush and want to take in the scenery, the slowest route would be taking I-65 S to Lexington, KY. Once there, take I-75 S and then switch to I-40 E to reach Smithville, TN. From there, take Hwy 70 E all the way to Columbia. You will cover approximately 600 miles and it will take you around 11 hours. This route is not recommended unless you have plenty of time.

Time in Peak Traffic

If you leave Bloomington at the wrong time, you could find yourself in bumper-to-bumper traffic, particularly around larger cities during peak hours. If you’re departing Bloomington during rush hour, make sure to add an extra hour or two to your journey time. Traveling during peak traffic can cause you to add up to two extra hours to your journey.

Time in Light Traffic

If you manage to avoid high traffic areas and time your journey well, you could make it to Columbia in 8 hours. Choosing to drive at night or on weekends could shave off time from your journey. However, be sure to take safety measures while driving in the dark.

Conclusion

Every route has its pros and cons. The fast route may be what you need if you’re on a tight schedule. However, you may run into trouble with high traffic areas. If you have a bit of wiggle room in your schedule, you may want to take the slower route and enjoy the view along the way.

As you plan your Bloomington-to-Columbia road trip, keep in mind traffic patterns, distance, and speed. We hope our guide has helped you plan your journey and we wish you safe travels.