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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Williamsburg to Columbia per day. The average train journey from Williamsburg to Columbia takes 18 hours and 15 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 16 hours and 49 minutes.
| Distance | 332 mi (534 km) |
| Fastest train | 16h 49m |
| Lowest price | €165.33 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Williamsburg to Columbia?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Williamsburg 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 | 1 | 18h 15m | €183.08 |
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 Williamsburg to Columbia every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €165.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Williamsburg and Columbia is approximately 332 miles, or 534 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 16 hours and 49 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 Williamsburg to Columbia on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday 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 Williamsburg at 06:00 and arrives in Columbia around 16 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 Columbia to Williamsburg.
City Information
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg, one of America's most well-known living history towns, is not a replica or a collection of structures from other locations. Instead, from 1705 until 1779, this was the capital of the colony (and eventually the state) of Virginia. It's now a museum that recreates bygone periods in their original setting and includes many of the historic buildings. Others have been painstakingly reconstructed or repaired at their original locations. Actors (or maybe time travelers?) wander around the reconstructed area dressed in 18th-century garb and going about their daily lives.
But Williamsburg isn't only for history nerds, and the Revolution isn't the only thing to see. The city's tourist attractions are two renowned museums of art, Busch Gardens theme park, and a water park.
In terms of transport, buses, trains, and airports are available. Buses come from major cities like Newark, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, New York, and even Houston via Greyhound. For train tickets, the Amtrak Northeast Regional connects from Washington D.C., Richmond, St Louis, and more. The main train and bus station is Williamsburg Transportation Center. Williamsburg International Airport is only 17 miles away from downtown Williamsburg. Other airports, such as Norfolk International Airport and Richmond International Airport, are options but a bit further away.
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 Williamsburg?
Main departure station: 468 N Boundary St
There is one train station in Williamsburg.
All train stations in Williamsburg:
468 N Boundary St
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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