5.0
Pros: The staff was efficient and helpful I had a nice seat mate Seats were comfortable and did not feel cramped. Cons: Don't have any suggestions. Tips: Bring a coat or blanket and pillow.
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Tampa to Columbia. Traveling by train from Tampa to Columbia usually takes around 10 hours and 40 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 426 mi (686 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 40m |
| Lowest price | £45.86 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Silver Service |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Tampa to Columbia
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Tampa to Columbia?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Tampa to Columbia was £52.70. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Columbia if you book your train tickets at least 17 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £37.95.
Monthly average prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during September. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Tampa to Columbia, with the average price at just £52. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in April, when the average price goes up to £75. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Tampa to Columbia, book online with Wanderu at least 17 days in advance. That way, you’ll save £37.95 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Tampa to Columbia?
Amtrak Silver Service is the one and only train line which connects Tampa 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 Silver Service | 1 | 10h 40m | £66.22 |
The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Tampa to Columbia start from £46 and the average train journey lasts about 10 hours and 40 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Tampa and Columbia is approximately 426 miles, or 686 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 40 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 Tampa to Columbia are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Tampa at 17:00 and arrives in Columbia around 10 hours later.
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 Tampa.
City Information
Tampa
Sitting at the heart of the Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions and relaxing indulgences. Infused with a colorful mix of Cuban and Spanish cultural elements, the city of Tampa houses some of the most impressive historic buildings in the state, including the Henry B. Plant Museum, which boasts a permanent exhibition of Victorian-era artifacts. Animal lovers can also rejoice, as the city’s many aquariums and zoos will certainly melt your heart. Head down to the Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center for some heart-melting cuteness. And for animal lovers with a penchant for streaming docu-series, the Big Cat Rescue (yes, THAT one!) will be a great choice.
Most of the finest restaurants in town are concentrated around the Riverwalk area, which offers unrivaled views of the waterfront. Oystercatchers is reputed as one of the best establishments in town, so you should not miss out on it. Tampa’s cuisine features a very clear Cuban influence, and the best spot to try out these unique fusion dishes is at Ybor City.
The principal train station in the city is the Tampa Union Station, which is also a historic building. It is currently served by Amtrak. At the station, travelers can also take an Amtrak Thruway motorcoach to get to Orlando, Lakeland, Bradenton, etc. The main airport is Tampa International Airport, which is located just six miles west of downtown Tampa.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Tampa?
Image credit: Michel Curi
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave
Opened in 1912, the Tampa Union Station is a historic train station that currently serves the Amtrak Silver Star train line, which runs from Miami to New York. The beautiful red brick station house features large windows and soaring ceilings. Located in the Channel District of Tampa, Union Station is close to several rental car agencies and has on-site and nearby parking available. Amtrak Thruway bus service stops at Union Station, and Greyhound bus service runs through a bus terminal only .5 miles away on Polk St.
All train stations in Tampa:
Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave
Where is the train station in Columbia?
Image credit: Hikki Nagasaki
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 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.
Train stations in Columbia:
850 Pulaski St
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