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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Columbia and Virginia Beach. The average train journey from Columbia to Virginia Beach takes 17 hours and 4 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 15 hours and 51 minutes.
| Distance | 346 mi (557 km) |
| Fastest train | 15h 51m |
| Lowest price | $162.29 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Columbia to Virginia Beach?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Columbia to Virginia Beach was $191.17. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Columbia and Virginia Beach. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Virginia Beach if you book your train tickets at least 4 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $35.07.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Columbia to Virginia Beach often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $176,
If you're thinking of traveling from Columbia to Virginia Beach during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $347 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Columbia to Virginia Beach?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Virginia Beach. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 17h 5m | $217.18 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Columbia to Virginia Beach every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $162.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Columbia and Virginia Beach is approximately 346 miles, or 557 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 17 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 51 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.
Trains from Columbia to Virginia Beach are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Columbia at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
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 Virginia Beach 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.
Virginia Beach
While boasting a suburban atmosphere that will make anyone jealous of an East Coast life, Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia by population and one of the state's best destinations. Positioned at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, its primary focus has always been its oceanfront location.
In the record books as having the longest pleasure beach in the world, the soft golden sands of Virginia Beach stretch for miles. One of the best ways to enjoy it is to take a stroll or bike along the three-mile boardwalk lined with cafés.
A block back, Atlantic Avenue plays host to Virginia Beach's dining scene, which incorporates everything from well-known names to family-run restaurants specializing in the bay's seafood.
But for all the glitz and glamour of Atlantic Avenue, it's Virginia Beach's natural splendors that will have you coming back again and again. As it twists with the coastline to become Shore Drive, you'll reach First Landing State Park. It preserves the spot at which English colonists first arrived on U.S. soil in 1607 after a five-month voyage. Meanwhile, out to sea, there's a chance to spot humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.
The city’s central location on the Atlantic coastline means there are many destinations you can visit from Virginia Beach for very cheap. The busiest terminus in Virginia Beach is on Northampton Boulevard. It sees buses reach New York City in around eight hours. Head to Norfolk, and you can also jump on Amtrak's Northeast Regional train service to Boston.
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 Virginia Beach?
Main arrival station: Park Avenue & 20th Street
Virginia Beach has one train station.
Train stations in Virginia Beach:
Park Avenue & 20th Street
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