Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Columbia, United States
Columbia Metropolitan Airport
South Carolina's capital city gateway serving the Midlands region.
- ›Fort Jackson, the U.S. Army's largest basic training installation, is a major traffic driver for the airport.
- ›The airport is jointly operated by Richland and Lexington counties under a joint commission.
- ›CAE serves as an important cargo facility in addition to passenger operations.
- ›The University of South Carolina and state government agencies generate significant business travel through CAE.
- ›A terminal modernization and renovation project was undertaken in the 2010s to update passenger facilities.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) serves the capital city of South Carolina and the greater Midlands region, offering convenient access to government, military, and university hubs. Established in the mid-20th century, the airport has grown steadily to support both commercial and general aviation traffic. Its compact, easy-to-navigate layout makes it a practical choice for business travelers and visitors heading to Fort Jackson, the University of South Carolina, or the State House.
- Main Terminal — A single consolidated terminal housing all commercial airline gates, ticketing, baggage claim, and passenger amenities.
- Rental car agencies on-site (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National)
- Taxi and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) available at the ground transportation curb
- Shuttle services to downtown Columbia hotels
- Pre-arranged hotel courtesy shuttles from select properties
- Marriott Columbia
- Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Airport
- SpringHill Suites Columbia
- Hampton Inn Columbia Airport
Inside the terminal, travelers will find a modest selection of cafes and quick-service restaurants suitable for grabbing a meal before a flight. The airport's proximity to downtown Columbia — just about 10 minutes away — means a wide range of Southern dining, barbecue joints, and local restaurants are easily accessible before heading to the airport. Vista and Main Street dining districts offer excellent options for those with extra time before departure.
- Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic departures, as security lines can build during peak morning hours.
- Parking is affordable and close to the terminal; the short-term lot is ideal for quick pickups and drop-offs.
- Rideshare pickup is designated at the ground transportation area outside baggage claim — confirm your driver's location in the app.
- The airport is roughly 10 miles from downtown Columbia, so factor in 15–20 minutes of drive time depending on traffic.
AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.
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Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the main commercial airport for Columbia and the Midlands region of South Carolina, United States. The airport is located in unincorporated Lexington County, southwest of Columbia. Although it has a West Columbia mailing address, the airport is not within that city's boundaries. The city of Cayce and the towns of Springdale, Pine Ridge, and South Congaree surround the airport, separating the airport from West Columbia. The airport is a regional cargo hub for UPS Airlines.
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