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Welcome to the bustling Columbia Metropolitan Airport, where your journey begins with the perfect rental car to complement your trip. Conveniently situated within the airport terminal, a variety of car rental agencies eagerly await to serve your transportation needs. Whether you're here for business or leisure, you'll find the right vehicle to explore the vibrant cityscapes and scenic routes of Columbia.
Embark on your adventure right after you land, with seamless access to a fleet of cars that cater to your style, budget, and requirements. From zippy compacts for city driving to spacious SUVs for family road trips, these agencies offer a range of options to ensure your travel is comfortable and hassle-free.
Below, you'll find an interactive map that guides you to the car rental agencies located at the airport. Simply click on the map to explore your options and plan your route ahead of time. Safe travels and enjoy the drive!
Embarking on a journey from Columbia? Let's explore the heart of the city's air travel, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. This bustling hub is not just a gateway for travelers but also a vital part of the community, accommodating both commercial flights and military operations. With its two expansive runways, the airport is equipped to welcome aircraft of all sizes. Beyond its aviation facilities, the airport is a self-contained mini-city, boasting its own fire station, post office, and police department. As you stroll through the terminals, you'll be greeted by the serene beauty of semi-natural and decorative ponds, while the airport's air traffic control tower, soaring to a majestic 105 feet, keeps a watchful eye over the skies. Each year, the airport becomes a crossroads for over 1.1 million passengers, and it provides a livelihood for more than 1,400 dedicated employees.
Steeped in history, the airport's story began in the 1940s. Amidst the turmoil of World War II, it served as a pivotal training base for B-25 Mitchell medium bombers. Back in 1943, it was christened the Columbia Army Air Base. This very location even had a moment in the Hollywood spotlight, featuring in a film directed by the legendary Victor Fleming and starring the iconic Spencer Tracy and Lionel Barrymore.
Nestled in Lexington County, a stone's throw from Columbia, South Carolina, the airport first opened its doors in 1940 as Lexington County Airport. It was a time when the United States Army Air Corps was expanding rapidly, and the need for space was critical. The airport transitioned to military use in 1941 and was off-limits to civilians by 1945. Fast forward to today, and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport stands as a bustling regional hub for UPS. Within its walls, a staggering 352,000 square feet of space hums with activity, processing an impressive 42,000 packages every hour.
For years, the Columbia airport has been on a quest to bring affordable air travel options to its patrons. Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines have both dipped their wings into Columbia's skies in the past. In 2004, Allegiant Air connected Columbia with the sunny destinations of Orlando/Sanford and St. Petersburg/Clearwater. However, these services were short-lived. Independence Air briefly graced the airport in 2004, offering a connection to Washington-Dulles until it ceased operations in early 2006. Spirit Airlines made its mark in 2008 with flights to Fort Lauderdale and Destin, Florida. And in 2011, Vision Airlines took to the skies, adding these Floridian gems to their route map from Columbia.
When returning your rental car in Columbia Metropolitan airport, you have three refueling options:
We have a variety of minivans and minibuses available, including the Mercedes Vito, Renault Trafic, and Peugeot Traveller. These 9-seater vehicles are popular among families and business travelers. To ensure availability, consider booking 1-2 months in advance.
