Cheap train tickets from Raleigh to Columbia

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Raleigh to Columbia. Travelling by train from Raleigh to Columbia usually takes 4 hours and 31 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance: 183 mi (295 km)
Fastest train: 4h 31m
Lowest price: CHF 24.22
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak Floridian
Train lines: 1

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Raleigh to Columbia Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Raleigh to Columbia?

There is usually 1 daily bus trip available from Raleigh to Columbia.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 36.76	Avg. PriceCHF 33.41Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips1	Daily Trips1
Duration	Duration4h 31mFaster	Duration4h 35m

There are several train options that can take you from Raleigh to Columbia:

Amtrak Floridian tickets: CHF 20 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Columbia?

In the last month, train tickets from Raleigh to Columbia cost about CHF 25 when booked at the cheapest time. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 7 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 20.78 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Columbia by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Raleigh to Columbia will cost between CHF 20 and CHF 76. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Columbia by month

Ticket prices for the train from Raleigh to Columbia often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only CHF 30. If you're thinking of travelling from Raleigh to Columbia during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 66 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Raleigh to Columbia on Wanderu at least 7 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 20.78 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Raleigh to Columbia?

Amtrak Floridian is the one and only train line which connects Raleigh to Columbia. 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 Floridian	1	4h 31m	CHF 36.76

Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Raleigh to Columbia start from CHF 20.04, and on average cost CHF 36.76. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Columbia. Amtrak Floridian in Raleigh leaves from Union Station. And in Columbia trains arrive at 850 Pulaski St.
From Raleigh to Columbia train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 4 hours and 31 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Columbia on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost CHF 20.04 for a one-way weekend reservation from Raleigh.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Raleigh to Columbia

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Columbia with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Columbia to Raleigh. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Raleigh to Columbia for CHF 33.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Raleigh and Columbia is approximately 295 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 31 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.

Distance (mi)

183

Distance (km)

295

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Raleigh at 7:54 p.m. and arrives in Columbia around 4 hours later.

First train

7:54pm

Last train

7:54pm

Trains from Raleigh to Columbia are the most crowded on Thursday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Thursday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Raleigh

As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travellers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.

Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.

Raleigh’s main bus station is located outside of the city centre at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.

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 travelling 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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Raleigh?

Main departure station: Union Station

The new multi-million dollar facility of Raleigh’s Union Station has quickly become one of the busiest train stations in North Carolina. Since opening in 2018, the station has expanded to serve over 150,000 passengers every year. Raleigh Union Station is an Amtrak station with routes connecting to major cities along the East Coast, including trips to New York City on the Carolinian or as far as Miami on Amtrak’s Silver Service. In addition, Amtrak’s Piedmont service from Charlotte ends its route in Raleigh. The station is a multi-level facility with tracks on the lower platform and retail shops on the main levels. It’s located in the heart of downtown, within a short walk of Nash Square, the CAM Raleigh art museum, and various restaurant options.

All train stations in Raleigh:

Union Station

Where is the train station in Columbia?

Main arrival 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 washrooms. 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

Need a return trip from Columbia to Raleigh?

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