What would you do with 48 hours? Sit in traffic, apparently. That’s the average time Columbians lost to traffic congestion in 2024, which is 16% worse than the year before. That may have something to do with the Carolina Crossroads project at Malfunction Junction.

By the numbers

According to a recent report from Texas A&M Transportation Institute, a trip that would take 20 minutes without traffic takes...

23 minutes with traffic
23 minutes in the peak direction
27 minutes to plan for a punctual arrival

When is the worst time to drive in Columbia?

Traffic is at its worst between 2 and 6 p.m. on weekdays. In the morning, 7-8 a.m. can also be dicey.

But the hands-down worst time to commute? 4 p.m. on a Friday. 3.3% of Columbia’s weekly delay happens around then.

When is the best time to drive in Columbia?

Technically, that would be around midnight. But if you work a nine-to-five, here’s our advice:

Head to work by 6 a.m. or wait until 9 a.m.
If you can leave work early, head out by 1 pm. Monday-Thursday and 12 p.m. on Fridays.
If your boss is watching, you’ll need to stay at your desk until at least 6 p.m. Or grab a nearby bite from a happy hour spot, and wait out the traffic until 7 p.m.

What about public transit?

Bus, light rail, or boat — pick your ride. At least you aren’t footing the gas bill.

Bicycling is also a great option. Good for traffic congestion... and your calves. Once the Lake Murray-to-Downtown Trail opens, the cycling option might become more realistic.