5.0
Pros: Spacious comfortable travel that beats long distance driving. Cons: Better food. Tips: Bring a pillow and blanket.
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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Washington DC to Columbia. The train trip from Washington DC to Columbia is usually about 11 hours and 17 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Silver Service train can get you there in as little as 10 hours and 37 minutes.
| Distance | 405 mi (652 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 37m |
| Lowest price | €94.78 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Silver Service |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Washington to Columbia
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Columbia?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Washington to Columbia was €114.17. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Washington DC and Columbia. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Columbia if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra €159.68.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Columbia will vary between €97 and €182. Planning a train trip to Columbia within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Washington over the next 7 days is €97. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
Mark your calendar for September if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Washington DC to Columbia. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of €86. If you're planning a trip from Washington DC to Columbia during December, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about €141 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Washington to Columbia, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save €159.68 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Washington DC to Columbia?
2 train services operate from Washington to Columbia. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 3d 10h 56m | €631.07 |
| Amtrak Silver Service | 1 | 10h 37m | €138.28 |
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 Washington to Columbia every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €531.
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 Washington to Columbia start from €95 and the average train journey lasts about 10 hours and 37 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Washington DC to Columbia. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Washington DC and Columbia is approximately 405 miles, or 652 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 37 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Washington DC to Columbia on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Washington DC at 11:00 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 Washington DC.
City Information
Washington DC
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
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 Washington DC?
Main departure station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.
All train stations in Washington DC:
Union Station
Pacific Central Station
10251 St Edwards Dr
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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