Where to stay for Masters 2025

Question

Planning to travel to the Masters and several travel companies have suggested staying in Columbia rather than Augusta - any suggestions please as we’re not sure if we’d need to drive or are there any companies provide shuttle transfers from Columbia to the course and back.

Answer

For the 2025 Masters Tournament, deciding where to stay can be a bit tricky, especially since Augusta is a busy hub during the event. Columbia, SC is a popular suggestion for many visitors because it’s about a 1-hour drive from Augusta and offers more affordable lodging options compared to staying in Augusta itself. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons, along with transportation options, to help you decide:

Staying in Columbia, SC

Cost-Effective Lodging: Columbia typically has more affordable hotel rates compared to Augusta, especially during the Masters when accommodations in Augusta can be highly inflated. This makes it a good option if you’re on a budget or looking for better hotel amenities.
More Dining and Entertainment Options: Columbia offers a wider range of dining, entertainment, and shopping options, which could be a plus if you want to explore the area after the golf tournament each day.
Commute to Augusta: While Columbia is about 70 miles (approximately 1 hour) from Augusta, this means you'll need to drive or rely on shuttle services for transportation to and from the course each day. While it’s not too far, it could be a bit tiring to drive back and forth each day, especially with the Masters’ heavy traffic.

Shuttle Services from Columbia to Augusta

Shuttle Transfers: Many travel companies and private operators offer shuttle services from Columbia to Augusta for Masters attendees. These shuttles usually run in the early morning and late afternoon, aligning with the start and end times of the tournament. Booking in advance is recommended, as demand for these services can be high during Masters week.
Private Shuttle and Group Transfers: Some hotels and local businesses in Columbia may offer private or group shuttles to the course, though they may be limited and fill up quickly. Be sure to ask your hotel or travel company if they can help arrange this.
Driving Yourself: If you don’t mind driving, there are parking options available near the course, though parking can be challenging and expensive during Masters week. You should expect heavy traffic and delays getting into and out of the course, so plan accordingly.

Staying in Augusta

Close to the Course: Staying in Augusta during the Masters ensures that you’re very close to the tournament grounds, which makes commuting much easier. Hotels in Augusta are generally within a 15-20 minute drive from Augusta National Golf Club, and you can easily return to your hotel for breaks during the day.
Traffic and Pricing: The downside to staying in Augusta is the increased price of accommodations, and the city can get very crowded with visitors. It’s also worth noting that traffic around the Masters can be a hassle, so staying in the heart of the action isn’t always convenient when you factor in the crowded roads.
Public Transportation: Augusta does have some local public transportation options, but they’re not as frequent or reliable during Masters week as shuttles or private car services. Most visitors prefer using rideshare services or rental cars.

Overall Recommendations:

If you're okay with a longer commute each day and want to save on lodging, staying in Columbia can be a great option. There are shuttle services that run between Columbia and Augusta, and it gives you the chance to explore a larger city with more dining and entertainment options.
If convenience is your priority and you're willing to pay a premium for proximity to the course, staying in Augusta will allow you to avoid the long drive and be closer to the action.
It’s advisable to book your accommodation and transportation as early as possible, especially for shuttle services, as they tend to sell out quickly due to high demand during Masters week.

Ultimately, both options offer great experiences, but your choice depends on how much you're willing to spend on accommodations versus how much time you're comfortable spending commuting to the course.

Where to stay for Masters 2025

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