Columbia is centrally located and easily accessible from cities throughout the state and the nation. Six airlines serve Columbia Metropolitan Airport, which is located eight miles from downtown. The airport recently underwent a $3.1 million road improvement project and the construction of a multilevel parking garage for 1,837 cars plus an additional 1,668 uncovered spaces. Airlines include Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines and Delta Connection, Northwest Airlines, Independence Air, United Express, and U.S. Airways Express. Amtrak offers daily rail departures and arrivals from the Eastern seaboard from New York City to Miami. Three interstate highways (I-20, I-26, I-77) crisscross the city of Columbia, with two other major interstates (I-85 and I-95) within an hour's drive. The area also has eight U.S. highways. Columbia is directly linked to Atlanta, GA; Richmond, VA; Jacksonville, FL; and Charlotte, NC, via these roadways. Greyhound/Trailways supplies inter-city bus service.
Columbia is an easily navigable city. While rush hour traffic is heavy on I-26 and other major thoroughfares, it most often moves steadily. The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) serves the heart of the Midlands, including Columbia, Cayce, West Columbia, Forest Acres, Arcadia Lakes, Springdale and the St. Andrews area. Its services include the trolleys in Downtown Columbia and the DART service (Dial-a-Ride Transit). Five taxi companies provide a fleet of more than 175 cabs.