Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to Columbia

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Columbia. Travelling by train from Philadelphia to Columbia usually takes 13 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 13 hours and 44 minutes.

Distance: 523 mi (842 km)
Fastest train: 13h 44m
Lowest price: NOK 934.91
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Philadelphia to Columbia Train Timetable

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Philadelphia to Columbia (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.3

5.0

Lynn

16 October 2024 - Visiting family

Amtrak Silver Service

Pros: Traveling to see my parents before having surgery, my Dad has stage 4 Cancer and they have not given him long, less than 6 months. Cons: The Club Car for dining. More Variety offers. Overall good experience, a little pricey. Tips: Have your travel plans in order.

4.0

6 December 2021 - Solo travel

Amtrak Silver Service

Pros: It was the 1st time traveling stateside on Amtrak in years. I enjoyed the experience

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

Amtrak tickets: NOK 935 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Philadelphia to Columbia cost about NOK 1,075 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 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 1,655.07 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Columbia by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Columbia will cost between NOK 954 and NOK 3,305. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Columbia by month

Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Columbia 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 NOK 1,643. If you're thinking of travelling from Philadelphia to Columbia during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 2,163 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Columbia on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 1,655.07 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Columbia?

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

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	13h 56m	NOK 1,912.63

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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets 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 Philadelphia to Columbia every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 934.91.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Philadelphia to Columbia

Trains leave the station in Philadelphia 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 hand 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 Columbia to Philadelphia.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Philadelphia and Columbia is approximately 523 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 44 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

523

Distance (km)

842

The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 9:50 while the last train of the day leaves at 10:41. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

9:50am

Last train

10:41am

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

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Philadelphia

We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?

Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.

Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.

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 coach 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 Philadelphia?

Main departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

There is one train station in Philadelphia.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Where is the train station in Columbia?

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 toilets. 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

Need a return trip from Columbia to Philadelphia?

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