Closest Airports To Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park, located in central South Carolina, is a unique and diverse natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The park, which covers over 26,000 acres of protected land, is home to one of the largest remaining tracts of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, as well as a variety of wetlands, creeks, and other natural features. While Congaree National Park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and kayaking, some may be wondering about transportation options to and from the park.

Specifically, you may be wondering whether Congaree National Park has an airport, and if so, how to access it. So – in this article, we will explore whether or not there is an airport at Congaree National Park and provide some tips on how to travel to and from the park.

Closest Airports To Congaree National Park

While there isn’t an airport directly in the park, there are some pretty close options. The two closest airports to Congaree National Park are Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the closer of the two airports, and it’s located in South Carolina. It is about 26 miles from Congaree National Park.

• Distance From Congaree National Park: 26 miles
• Driving Time: 30 minutes
• Airlines Served: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and more.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is located in North Carolina and is slightly further away from Congaree National Park than Columbia Metropolitan Airport. However, it has more flight options and is served by more airlines.

• Distance From Congaree National Park: 140 miles
• Driving Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Airlines Served: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and more.

Other Airports Near Congaree National Park

There are a few other airports near Congaree National Park, but they are further away than Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is located about 140 miles from Congaree National Park.

• Distance From Congaree National Park: 140 miles
• Driving Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Airlines Served: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and more.

Charleston International Airport (CHS) is located about 110 miles from Congaree National Park.

• Distance From Congaree National Park: 110 miles
• Driving Time: 2 hours
• Airlines Served: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and more.

The best airport to fly into if you want to visit Congaree National Park is Columbia Metropolitan Airport. It is the closest airport, and it has a good selection of airlines serving the airport. From there, you can rent a car to get to the park or take a shuttle service. We’ll touch on that more in the next section.

How Do You Get from The Airport to Congaree National Park?

If you’re planning a trip to Congaree National Park, the best airport to fly into is Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). From the airport, there are a few transportation options to get to the park:

• Renting a Car: Renting a car is the most convenient option for getting to Congaree National Park. Car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz have offices at the airport. The park is located about 20 miles southeast of Columbia, and the drive takes about 30 minutes.
• Shuttle Services: There are a few shuttle services that provide transportation to Congaree National Park. One of these shuttle services with great reviews is Palmetto Outdoor. The cost of the shuttle varies depending on the company and the number of passengers, but it’s a good option if you don’t want to rent a car.
• Public Transportation: The Comet, the public transportation system in Columbia, operates a bus route that goes to the park. Route 47 takes you from the transit center in downtown Columbia to the park entrance. The bus runs on weekdays and Saturdays, but not on Sundays or holidays. Check the Comet’s website for the latest schedule and fares.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport. The cost of a taxi or ride-sharing service will vary depending on the distance and the time of day.

No matter which transportation option you choose, be sure to plan ahead and make reservations if necessary, especially during peak travel seasons.

What Is the Closest City to Congaree National Park?

If you’re looking for a stay close to the park, the closest city to Congaree National Park is Columbia, South Carolina. It is actually the state capital and largest city in South Carolina, located approximately 20 miles northwest of the park. Columbia is home to many museums, restaurants, and other attractions, making it a great place to stay for those planning to visit Congaree National Park.

Columbia is known for its southern charm and historic architecture, and it offers a wide range of activities for visitors. You can explore the South Carolina State Museum, visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, or take a stroll through the Congaree Vista district, which is home to many art galleries, shops, and restaurants.

There are also plenty of great dining options in Columbia. Some of the top restaurants in the area include Motor Supply Co. Bistro, The War Mouth, Bourbon, and Cola’s Restaurant.

If you’re looking for a place to stay near Congaree National Park, Columbia has a variety of lodging options, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals.