About Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)

Columbia Metropolitan Airport is one of South Carolina's largest air facilities. It serves the city of Columbia, which is located a short distance to the northeast, and the surrounding Midlands region of the state. Our guide to the airport includes important contact details as well as information regarding terminal facilities, public transport access and accommodation options.

Information:

The information desk (tel: +1 803 822 5000) is open from 0630 to 2230 daily and is located on the airport's upper level. Photocopy and fax services, as well as paging and information services, are available.

Website:

Driving directions:

From central Columbia, head west on US-378, merge onto US-1 and turn southbound onto Charleston Street (via 12th Street) until the exit to Airport Boulevard. Follow Airport Boulevard (Highway 302) and then John Hardee Expressway directly to the airport site.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus:Central Midlands Transit (tel: +1 803 255 7100; www.catchthecomet.org) operates bus 28 between Columbia Metropolitan Airport and the city centre (journey time: 25 minutes; fare: US$1.50). There are just three services per day, departing from the airport at 0739, 1304 and 1659. 

Shuttle:Numerous hotels in the area provide free shuttle transport from outside the terminal. A hotel courtesy phone is located in the baggage claim area. The shuttle pick-up area is located outside baggage reclaim. 

Taxi:Taxis can also be found immediately outside the baggage claim area. Local cab companies include Blue Ribbon Taxi (tel: +1 803 754 8163; www.originalblueribbontaxi.com), Capitol City Cab (tel: +1 803 794 2225; www.capitolcitycab.com) and Checker Yellow (tel: +1 803 799 3311; checkeryellowcab.com). Fares to the city start at around US$25, but vary depending on the provider.

Terminal facilities

Money:

ATMs are available at various points within the terminal building.

Food:

Restaurants are located on the upper level in public areas, pre-security.

Shopping:

There are several shops at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, including gift shops and news stands. Duty-free is not available, as only domestic routes are currently served.

Luggage:

Skycap porters are available to assist with luggage. For items left on planes, contact the relevant airline (a full list of airline contact details is available on the airport's website). For items left in the terminal area, contact the information desk (tel: +1 803 822 5000) from 0800 to 2100. Left luggage facilities are not available at the airport.

Other:

There is a chapel and a games room on the upper level of the terminal building. First aid assistance is available at all times.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

The airport's business centre (tel: +1 803 822 5020) is open from 0800 to 1800 on weekdays. It is located in the main lobby of the terminal and includes a small conference area, computer workstations, fax and photocopy machine, a lounge and a kitchen area. Meetings and conference space is also available at most of the larger hotels in the city, including the nearby Days Inn and Suites (tel: +1 803 796 0044; www.daysinn.com).

Communication Facilities:

Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Hard-wired data ports are also located within the terminal.

Disabled facilities:

There are ramps and lifts throughout Columbia Metropolitan Airport, as well as disabled parking spaces for wheelchair-bound travellers. Some signage is in Braille. Skycap porters are on hand to help with luggage and general needs. Any passengers who may require additional assistance are advised to contact their airline before travelling.

Car parking:

Multistorey, surface and valet parking are available opposite the terminal building. Parking in the multistorey car park is short-term, and is free for the first 20 minutes. Long-term rates are available in the surface car park. For more information, call Republic Parking (tel: +1 803 822 8474). A 'cell phone' waiting area for those collecting arriving passengers is also available.

Car rental:

Car hire companies located at Columbia Metropolitan Airport include: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Car hire desks for these operators are located near baggage claim, on the lower level. The hire car parking areas are adjacent to the terminal building.