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Trip from Columbia, SC to Forest Acres, SC

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

1h 59m

Distance

101.2 mi

163 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

12 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 51m ★
6 AM
2h 0m
8 AM
2h 17m
10 AM
2h 6m
12 PM
2h 4m
3 PM
2h 7m
5 PM
2h 16m
8 PM
1h 54m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Richland County, South Carolina, United States of America

Forest Acres, SC

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Trip Overview

The drive from Columbia, SC to Forest Acres, SC covers 101.2 miles and takes about 1h 59m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 26, North Main Street, Jarvis Klapman Boulevard for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 87.7 miles on I 26. At current regular gas prices, budget about $15.83 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

50.6 miles from Columbia, SC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 59m. Total distance: 101.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 1h 59m highway drive covering 101.2 miles, with most of the trip on I 26 and North Main Street. The longest continuous stretch is about 87.7 miles on I 26.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 26 is the longest continuous segment at about 87.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 26 and North Main Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near SC 12 / Taylor Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 59m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles (SC 12 / Taylor Street): Navigation decision point; at 5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 5.2 miles (I 26): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

4
1.2 mi into trip | ~2m in | SC 12 / Taylor Street

Turn left onto SC 12 / Taylor Street

Navigation decision point

4
5 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the exit toward Charleston

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward Charleston
5
5.2 mi into trip | ~8m in | I 26

Merge onto I 26

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
92.9 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Take the exit toward US 17 Alternate North: Moncks Corner

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 199B Toward US 17 Alternate North: Moncks Corner
4
99.7 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in | McLaurin Avenue

Turn right onto McLaurin Avenue

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 26 87.7 mi 1h 35m
North Main Street 3.9 mi 6m
Jarvis Klapman Boulevard 2.6 mi 3m
State Road 2.6 mi 3m
McLaurin Avenue 1.3 mi 5m
Gervais Street 0.8 mi 2m
Augusta Road 0.7 mi <1m
Huger Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 26 — 87.7 mi, about 1h 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, SC and Forest Acres, SC.

1

Start on Gervais Street

434 ft · 17 sec · Gervais Street
2

Continue on US 1; US 378

0.7 mi · 1 min · Gervais Street
3

Turn right onto US 21; US 176; US 321

0.4 mi · 47 sec · Huger Street
4

Turn left onto SC 12

0.2 mi · 22 sec · Taylor Street
5

Continue on SC 12

0.3 mi · 25 sec · Hampton Street
6

Continue on SC 12

2.6 mi · 3 min · Jarvis Klapman Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on US 1

0.7 mi · 52 sec · Augusta Road
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward Charleston
9

Merge onto I 26

88 mi · 1 hr 35 min · I 26
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Exit 199B Toward US 17 Alternate North: Moncks Corner Use the right lane.
11

Turn straight onto US 17 Alternate

3.9 mi · 6 min · North Main Street
Use the left lane.
12

Turn left onto US 176

2.6 mi · 3 min · State Road
13

Turn right onto McLaurin Avenue

1.3 mi · 5 min · McLaurin Avenue
14

Turn right onto Gross Avenue

0.2 mi · 42 sec · Gross Avenue
15

Arrive at destination

Gross Avenue

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 50.6 miles from Columbia, SC, or about 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.7 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 22 miles or 26m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 50.6 miles or 57m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 32m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Forest Acres, SC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Columbia, SC so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Columbia, SC

This is one driving day of about 101.2 miles and 1h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Columbia, SC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 26 for about 87.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 50.6 mi from Columbia, SC · 57m into the drive

Downtown Brookdale, SC, SC

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brookdale, SC

51 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Cayce, SC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brookdale, SC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 50.6 miles from Columbia, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 26 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 87.7 miles.

Arriving in Forest Acres, SC

The final approach into Forest Acres, SC usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Indah Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbia, South Carolina

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18037080275

Visit website

Piecewise Coffee Co. - Cayce

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cayce, South Carolina

2 mi

Poindexter Coffee

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Columbia, South Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+18037797779

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94

Summerville, South Carolina

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+18438214711

Visit website

Indah Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Columbia, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18037080275

Visit website

Piecewise Coffee Co. - Cayce

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Cayce, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18037641044

Visit website

Mellow & Play Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94

Ladson, South Carolina

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+18437894743

Visit website

The Game Show Challenge - Columbia

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Columbia, South Carolina

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+18034701112

Visit website

Escapology Escape Rooms Columbia (Vista)

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Columbia, South Carolina

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18039004144

Visit website

Craft Axe Throwing

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Columbia, South Carolina

Hours: 4–9 pm

+18032813803

Visit website

Columbia Museum of Art

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Columbia, South Carolina

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+18037992810

Visit website

South Carolina State Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Columbia, South Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18038984921

Visit website

EdVenture

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Columbia, South Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18037793100

Visit website

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Columbia, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18035453100

Visit website

Memorial Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Columbia, South Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+18035453100

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park

National Park

Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and...

11 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 27.9
Caution: Backcountry Trail Conditions
Park Closure: Boardwalk Partially Closed for Construction
View on nps.gov
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Two forts stand at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession to...

25 mi from route ~62 min detour $10 near mile 94.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.83 one way

$31.65 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 35 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $17.30 $34.61
premium $4.70 $18.73 $37.46
diesel $5.61 $22.34 $44.69

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 35.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

12 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Cracker Barrel - Tesla Supercharger

Orangeburg, SC

Tesla

16 DCFC

Cayce Crossing - Tesla Supercharger

Cayce, SC

Tesla

12 DCFC

Lowes Foods of Forest Acres - Tesla Supercharger

Columbia, SC

Tesla

11 DCFC

Cracker Barrel - Tesla Supercharger

Columbia, SC

Tesla

8 DCFC

Spinx - Tesla Supercharger

Orangeburg, SC

Tesla

8 DCFC

Pilot Travel Center 338

Cayce, SC

eVgo Network

6 DCFC

Flying J Travel Center 712

Columbia, SC

eVgo Network

4 DCFC

Flying J 1068

Summerville, SC

eVgo Network

4 DCFC

Tesla: 5 eVgo Network: 4 AMPUP: 2 FORD_CHARGE: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30.4 0 $10.63 $4.86
Efficient EV 25.3 0 $8.86 $4.05
EV Truck/SUV 40.5 0 $14.17 $6.48

Gas CO2

35 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Columbia, SC

Evening in Columbia on Thursday

Local time

5:02 PM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Forest Acres, SC

Evening in Forest Acres on Thursday

Local time

5:02 PM

EDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Brookdale, SC

51 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

26 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 59m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Columbia, SC to Forest Acres, SC covers 101.2 miles and takes about 1h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 26, North Main Street, Jarvis Klapman Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 50.6 miles from Columbia, SC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.83 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 1h 59m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles (SC 12 / Taylor Street): Navigation decision point; at 5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 5.2 miles (I 26): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Columbia, SC to Forest Acres, SC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Return Trip

Forest Acres, SC to Columbia, SC

Plan the drive back the other way.

100.1 mi 1h 57m

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