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Columbia's easy-to-navigate street system is a legacy of its historical role as one of the first planned cities in the United States. The numbering system can be confusing, though; you may want to pick up a visitor's map at the Columbia Visitor Center, 1101 Lincoln Street in the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (803-545-0002). Much like those of Washington, D.C., the streets radiate out from the center of the city like the spokes of a wheel. When asking directions from local citizens, you're unlikely to hear things described in terms of east or west, but rather "toward Charleston" or "toward Spartanburg." Columbia's streets are among the widest and most well-marked you'll find in any city, with few one-way corridors. Downtown has several new hotels, but many business travelers also stay in popular hotel districts on the city's perimeter, particularly in the northeast and northwest. Travel into and around the city from these areas is easy using the freeway/beltway system that connects Interstates 20, 26, and 77. Major car rental agencies have outlets at the airport and throughout the metropolitan area.
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Bus:Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (803-255-7100) buses run daily until 11 PM; basic fare is $1.25 with free transfers. Taxis:Fares include a $1.80 drop charge plus $2 per mile. While cabs can be hailed in the street, you'll have better luck at the cab stands or by calling for a pick-up. The number for the combined Checker and Yellow companies is 803-799-3311.
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Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is located six miles southwest of the central business district. Transportation from the airport to downtown Columbia: Taxi: Taxicabs can get you downtown for $12 to $15; to go to the Irmo area, a popular hotel destination for many business travelers, the cost may be around $20; to go to the Columbia Northeast area, another hotel district frequented by business travelers, the cost may be $30.
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