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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Columbia to Winston-Salem. The train trip from Columbia to Winston-Salem is usually about 33 hours and 7 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 32 hours and 56 minutes.
| Distance | 152 mi (244 km) |
| Fastest train | 32h 56m |
| Lowest price | $55.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Columbia to Winston-Salem
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from Columbia to Winston-Salem?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Winston-Salem. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 9h 8m | $69.26 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Columbia to Winston-Salem every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $55.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Columbia and Winston-Salem is approximately 152 miles, or 244 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 33 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 32 hours and 56 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Columbia to Winston-Salem on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Columbia at 4:00am and arrives in Winston-Salem around 32 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Winston-Salem to Columbia.
City Information
Columbia
As the capital city of South Carolina, Columbia offers plenty of historic attractions and exciting activities that will keep tourists of all ages satisfied. Sitting at the heart of the city is the South Carolina State Museum, which boasts the most impressive collection of permanent and changing exhibits in the state, as well as in the Southeast. One of the top highlights of the museum is its amazing planetarium that has a height of 55 feet. If you are traveling with kids, EdVenture should certainly be on your list. The museum’s prime attraction is a giant 10-year-old with his own fake digestive tracts and vertebrae, allowing kids to explore anatomy with ease. Nature lovers should not miss out on the chance to enjoy an outdoor day at Lake Murray, which features a vast range of activities such as boating, fishing, paddling, etc.
Columbia features an exciting food scene that is brimming with new talents. For an amazing lunch, The Gourmet Shop and their famous chicken salad will be a great choice. If you wish to enjoy a dinner with wine, Lula Drake is the place to be.
Columbia’s principal bus station is located 710-A Buckner Rd on the outskirts of the city. The main Amtrak train station is located on Pulaski St in the heart of downtown near the University of South Carolina campus. Columbia is served by Amtrak’s Silver Service line. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the main airport and it is located five miles southwest of the city.
Winston-Salem
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Ranked as one of the top places to live in the United States, Winston-Salem resulted from the merging of two separate towns in 1913.
The city's oldest and most visually arresting areas are found in what was once simply Salem, a town with a history going back to 1753. You can admire many of the original Moravian-style buildings at Old Salem Museums & Gardens and in the historic districts of West End and Ardmore.
Downtown also has some notable structures, including 100 North Main Street – the tallest office building in the region.
Meanwhile, the main strip when it comes to nightlife is Fourth Street, where bars and restaurants see a steady stream of patrons until long after dark. The presence of no less than six higher education institutions in the city ensures the scene remains fresh and vibrant.
Winston-Salem can be reached from over 175 other U.S. cities. Daily buses depart and arrive from the city's three bus terminals throughout the day, with destinations that include Raleigh, Richmond, and New York City. In addition, Amtrak operates passenger train services via the station at High Point. Its three lines span the region from New York to New Orleans.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Columbia?
Image credit: Hikki Nagasaki
Main departure station: 850 Pulaski St
The Columbia Amtrak Station at 850 Pulaski St is the only train station in Columbia, SC. The station is served by the Amtrak Silver Star train, which travels from New York City to Miami. Built in 1991, the Columbia Station is a steel structure located three miles from the city's downtown area and not far from the University of South Carolina campus. It offers an indoor waiting area, an information kiosk, and restrooms. The station was moved to the current Pulaski Street site from Gervais Street, where the former red-brick Seaboard Air Line and Amtrak station stood.
All train stations in Columbia:
850 Pulaski St
Where is the train station in Winston-Salem?
Image credit: Warren LeMay
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Transp Ctr - 100 W 5th St
The Winston-Salem Transportation Center is on the corner of 5th Street & Trade Street, smack in the middle of the city. It's also commonly called the Greyhound bus station, since the carrier provides a lot of service across North Carolina and its neighboring states. There are plenty of great restaurants in the area, like Butcher & Bull Steakhouse, Downtown Thai & Pho, and Downtown Deli and Cafe, if you want to fill up before your trip. Or, if you want to stretch your legs, Bailey's Park is only a few blocks away and frequently has live music and events.
All train stations in Winston-Salem:
Transp Ctr - 100 W 5th St
Winston-Salem State University (PART bus stop)
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