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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Columbia to Florence. The train trip from Columbia to Florence is usually about 9 hours long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 74 mi (119 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 0m |
| Lowest price | $53.53 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Columbia to Florence?
The average price for a train ticket from Columbia to Florence is $70.01, By booking your trip at least 7 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $15.55 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Columbia to Florence 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 $70,
If you're thinking of traveling from Columbia to Florence during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $126 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Columbia to Florence?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Florence. 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 | 9h 0m | $74.34 |
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 Florence every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $52.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Columbia and Florence is approximately 74 miles, or 119 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours,
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.
Trains departing from Columbia to Florence tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Columbia at 1:00am and arrives in Florence around 9 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 Florence 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.
Florence
Florence is a hidden gem in the northeast of South Carolina. Though best known for its history as a significant railway hub, Florence is a modern city with activities and sights to fill a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.
Every November, Florence goes nuts during the SC Pecan Music and Food Festival, an event hosted downtown to celebrate the beloved pecan. If you're in town during the festival, check out the car show, live music, half marathon, and other associated events to get to know Florence locals and culture.
Florence is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. Golf is a favorite among Florence residents, so upgrade from mini-golf and try the real thing. Traces Golf Club welcomes golfers of all skill levels, don't worry. Don't leave Florence without spending a day at Lynches River County Park, the starting point of the 66-mile South Carolina Revolutionary Rivers Trail. You can kayak or canoe throughout the county, following the swampy path that allowed American patriots to evade British troops in the American Revolution.
Florence Regional Airport operates limited flights to connect to Charlotte, but most paths to Florence involve some kind of ground travel. Amtrak's Palmetto and Silver Service trains stop in Florence, with connections to New York and Washington to the north and Orlando and Miami to the south. Greyhound and Southeastern Stages offer intercity bus service to Florence that connects the city to other destinations throughout the South.
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 Florence?
Main arrival station: 805 E Day St
Florence has one train station.
Train stations in Florence:
805 E Day St
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