Columbia Metropolitian Airport (CAE) Parking

For picking up an arriving passenger, use either the parking garage (first 20 mins free) or use the free cell phone parking lot. Stay with your car until your party calls you to be picked up at the curb.

Other parking options at Columbia Metropolitan Airport:  All parking facilities can be accessed from the John Hardee Expressway.
1. The new multi-level parking garage is right across from the passenger terminal offering free parking for the first 20 minutes;
2. Valet parking at a daily flat fee - for car pickup send a text message with ticket number to 803-445-8552; your car will be ready on arrival.
3. The Surface Parking Lots surround the parking garage.
You have 3 payment options, each starting with taking a ticket to enter lot or garage: (a) When leaving, pay with your ticket at the Republic Pay Station in the main lobby near Information Desk; then drive to exit plaza, enter automated lanes 3 or 4 & insert ticket. (b) when exiting parking, use Auto Exits 3 or 4; insert ticket into reader and then your credit card, prints receipt and opens gate. (c) exit through one of the Cashier lanes and pay at the exit booth.  Cash, credit or debit cards & travelers checks are accepted, depending on the option you take.
For more parking information call Republic at 803-822-8474.

As an alternative to on-site parking, there are off-airport parking at Columbia Metropolitian airport options which may offer significant discounts. Most have shuttle vans or buses which operate from their facilities to the terminals, and feature secure facilities with security guards and cameras 24 hours.

Many local hotels offer up to 2 weeks free parking with one night stay. This can be especially convenient if you have an early flight and need to park at Columbia Metropolitian airport. They provide shuttle service too.

Nothing is more frustrating than circling an airport parking lot looking for space when you're already running late for a flight or paying an exorbitant amount for parking when you return from a trip. You can avoid these common predicaments by doing your homework before leaving to park your vehicle at the airport.

Most airports offer multiple parking lots at various rates (hourly, daily and economy). Some airports even offer costly, but convenient valet parking. Visit the airport website or call the airport to determine the location and rates for each type of parking garage or service. During peak travel times, it's also prudent to check the short-term and long-term parking lot availability before leaving for the airport, so you can make other arrangements if lots are full. Parking in a daily garage (short-term parking) instead of an economy (long-term parking) lot for multiple days will burn a big hole in your wallet.

You’ll find commercial off-site parking lots near most major airports. These parking lots are farther from the airport, but the distance is often compensated with lower prices, 24-hour security, car-to-terminal shuttle services and other perks like frequent parker programs. Aside from off-site commercial parking lots allow you to reserve a parking spot in advance, which can be a real timesaver during peak travel times. In addition, many airport hotels offer stay, park and fly deals in which you stay at the hotel the night before your flight and then you can park your car at the hotel for free or a low daily rate. Just make sure the hotel parking lot is secure as some aren’t monitored around-the-clock like airport and commercial lots.

It’s too easy to forget where you parked or where you put the parking ticket after an extended trip. Even if you’re running late, take the time to note where you parked in your cell phone, PDA or on the parking ticket if you take it with you. Just make sure you don’t lose the parking ticket, because most airports charge a hefty fee for missing tickets. For that reason, it may be safer to leave the ticket in your car.