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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Columbia to Bridgeport. The train trip from Columbia to Bridgeport is usually about 18 hours and 3 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 18 hours and 2 minutes.
| Distance | 656 mi (1055 km) |
| Fastest train | 18h 2m |
| Lowest price | $255.66 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Columbia to Bridgeport?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Bridgeport. 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 | 18h 3m | $382.24 |
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 Bridgeport every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $256.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Columbia and Bridgeport is approximately 656 miles, or 1055 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 2 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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Columbia to Bridgeport. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Columbia at 4:00am and arrives in Bridgeport around 18 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 Bridgeport 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.
Bridgeport
Image credit: Justin Brockie
Link to image attributionWhile it has fallen on hard times after WW2, Bridgeport has seen many new development projects that have breathed an air of life to the city, making it an attractive destination for many young travelers. The city’s prime attraction is the Klein Memorial Auditorium, which features amazing art-deco architecture and a lavish marble lobby. The auditorium is being used as a theater, so check out their calendar when you’re in town. Nature lovers should consider giving Beardsley Zoo a visit, as it holds a wide variety of ecosystems, including a rainforest building. It is also a good picnic spot if you simply want to lounge around. For those who enjoy learning more about the city and its people, head over to the Barnum Museum.
For those who just can’t have enough steaks, Joseph’s Steakhouse is the place to be. If you wish to try an authentically American culinary experience, Walrus + Carpenter is a famous local spot.
The city’s main bus station is the Greyhound Bus Terminal located at 710 Water St in Downtown Bridgeport. The main Amtrak train station is also located on Water St, just a block south from the bus station. Bridgeport is served by Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Vermonter lines. The city’s main airport is the Sikorsky Memorial Airport, which is three miles southeast of downtown.
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 Bridgeport?
Image credit: Harold Shapiro
Main arrival station: 525 Water St
The Amtrak station in Bridgeport is accessible from 525 Water St, and the unusual design means that the station’s waiting area is part of a raised structure above the six lanes of Water Street. The railroad lines along Pequonnock River are used by local Metro North and CTrail commuter rail, as well as two Amtrak lines: the Northeast Regional from Boston to Roanoke and the Vermonter from St. Albans to Washington, DC. Travelers can connect to the nearby bus terminal on Water St to continue their travels via bus. The station’s downtown location offers easy access to parking garages, fast food, and several nearby hotels.
Train stations in Bridgeport:
525 Water St
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