Cheap train tickets from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC. Traveling by train from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC usually takes 14 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 13 hours and 24 minutes.
| Distance | 499 mi (803 km) |
| Fastest train | 13h 24m |
| Lowest price | $118.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Wilmington to Columbia Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Wilmington to Columbia:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC was $118.00. 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 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $190.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC will cost between $109 and $149. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC by month
Ticket prices for the train from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $150. If you're thinking of traveling from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $235 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $190.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Wilmington to Columbia?
There are multiple trains that travel from Wilmington to Columbia, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 14h 5m | $202.60 |
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 Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $118.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Wilmington to Columbia
The distance between Wilmington, DE and Columbia, SC is approximately 499 miles, or 803 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 24 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
499
DISTANCE (KM)
803
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Wilmington, DE at 10:12am and arrives in Columbia, SC around 13 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
10:12am
LATEST TRAIN
11:01am
Trains from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Wilmington, DE
Wilmington is a major city in Delaware, established at the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. The charming city, at the confluence of the Brandywine River and Christina River, offers easy connections to the lush countryside of Brandywine Valley. Thanks to the venerable du Pont family, who established the DuPont Company in Wilmington in 1802, the city is filled with grand estates and magnificent gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Hagley Museum & Library is the ultimate example. The expansive complex includes the first home of the du Pont family, powder yards from the company's initial gunpowder mill, and a Renaissance-style garden complete with terraces.
To dive deeper into the city's history, check out the Fort Christina State Park, the site of Wilmington's original Swedish settlement over 400 years ago. Other popular attractions include the Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.
Wilmington is easy to access from most of the mid-Atlantic region and is located between Philadelphia and Washington. In 2011, the city's Amtrak train station was renamed the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station in honor of rail enthusiast Joe Biden, who often commuted via Amtrak from Wilmington to Washington during his time as a Senator. Buses from Wilmington also connect to cities like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Since the regional Wilmington Airport does not offer civilian flights, travelers can easily take a bus to the airport in Philadelphia for any air travel out of the area.
Columbia, SC
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 does the train leave from in Wilmington?
Main departure station: Amtrak/SEPTA Station
There is one train station in Wilmington, DE.
All train stations in Wilmington:
- Amtrak/SEPTA Station
Where does the train arrive 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 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
Need a return trip from Columbia to Wilmington?
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