Driving Cost from Aiken, South Carolina to Columbia, South Carolina

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The Cost of Driving From Aiken, SC to Columbia, SC

If you are planning a trip from Aiken to Columbia, you might be wondering about the cost of gas and tolls along the way. In this post, we will break down the different routes, distances, driving times, and costs based on current gas prices.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Aiken to Columbia takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes and covers a distance of 69.4 miles. The route consists of taking I-20 E, passing by Lexington, and arriving in Downtown Columbia. While this route does not have tolls, you will need to budget for gas.

With the current gas price in South Carolina being $2.87 per gallon, you would need around 2 gallons of gas for the one-way trip, giving you a total cost of $5.74.

A Scenic Route

If you are looking for a more scenic drive, one option would be to take I-20 E, exit at US-1 N towards Aiken, and take the scenic Old US Hwy 1 through Lexington. This route adds 10 minutes to your trip, making it around 1 hour and 20 minutes, and covering a distance of 74.5 miles. As with the previous route, this one doesn't have tolls.

Considering the current gas price, you would need approximately 2.1 gallons of gas for the one-way trip, costing you a total of $6.03.

Avoiding Tolls

For those who want to avoid tolls, you can also take US-1 the entire way. This route takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes and covers a distance of 97.8 miles. As mentioned, this route doesn't have tolls, but it takes longer than the previous ones.

Based on gas prices, you would need approximately 3 gallons of gas for the one-way trip, resulting in a total cost of $8.61.

Conclusion

Based on the current gas prices, the cost of driving from Aiken, SC to Columbia, SC ranges from $5.74 to $8.61. While choosing a faster or more scenic route might cost you less in gas, you need to consider your time and what route is best for your travel schedule. Regardless of the route you choose, be sure to fill up your tank before hitting the road, as gas prices are subject to change. Have a safe trip!