Cheap train tickets from Columbia to Baltimore

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Columbia to Baltimore. Travelling by train from Columbia to Baltimore usually takes 16 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 13 hours and 24 minutes.

Distance: 440 mi (708 km)
Fastest train: 13h 24m
Lowest price: CHF 65.98
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Columbia to Baltimore Train Schedule

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

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Columbia to Baltimore.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 120.13	Avg. PriceCHF 108.57Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips2	Daily Trips2
Duration	Duration16h 1m	Duration11hFaster

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

Amtrak tickets: CHF 66 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Columbia to Baltimore cost about CHF 107 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 15 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 45.05 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Columbia to Baltimore by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Columbia to Baltimore will cost between CHF 70 and CHF 228. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Columbia to Baltimore by month

Ticket prices for the train from Columbia to Baltimore often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only CHF 98. If you're thinking of travelling from Columbia to Baltimore during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 127 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Columbia to Baltimore on Wanderu at least 15 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 45.05 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Columbia to Baltimore?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Baltimore. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	16h 1m	CHF 120.13

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 washroom, 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 2 Amtrak trains from Columbia to Baltimore every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 65.98.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Columbia to Baltimore

Trains leave the station in Columbia twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Baltimore to Columbia. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Columbia to Baltimore for CHF 109.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Columbia and Baltimore is approximately 708 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 24 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)

440

Distance (km)

708

The earliest train departs Columbia at 4:22 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 4:22 a.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

4:22am

Last train

4:22am

Trains from Columbia to Baltimore are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Monday

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 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.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a seaport in Maryland best known for its crab cakes and baseball legend, Babe Ruth. As there is plenty to see in Charm City, you'll be singing “Good Morning, Baltimore” as soon as you experience all of the sights and activities this quirky town has to offer.

Some of Baltimore's most impressive attractions are centred in and around Inner Harbor. This scenic waterfront is filled with historic ships, dating as far back as the Civil War in the case of the USS Constellation. Alongside shops and restaurants, Inner Harbor also hosts the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several entertainment venues where you can catch live music. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the harbour from atop Federal Hill Park, or if you prefer the view that inspired “The Star Spangled Banner,” head out to Fort McHenry, known for its role in the War of 1812.

Baltimore is one of the stops on Wanderu's recommended East Coast wine tour, but don't worry about racking up a hefty tab; luckily, Baltimore is also one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S., with the cheapest bottle of beer going for just $1.42. Enjoy your wine or beer along the Avenue in Hampden, a neighbourhood known for its hipster bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

Ready to plan your Baltimore adventure? Numerous bus and train options make Baltimore affordably accessible by ground transportation, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport not only offers hundreds of daily flights, it also is one of the best airports for food in the U.S.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Columbia?

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 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

Where is the train station in Baltimore?

Main arrival station: Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)

Baltimore receives travellers from Columbia at its two active train stations.

All train stations in Baltimore:

Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)
Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St

Need a return trip from Baltimore to Columbia?

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