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Cheap train tickets from Lakeland to Columbia

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Lakeland to Columbia Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Lakeland and Columbia. The average train journey from Lakeland to Columbia takes 11 hours and 4 minutes, but some Amtrak Silver Service train trips are as short as 10 hours and 4 minutes.

Distance415 mi (669 km)
Fastest train10h 4m
Lowest price$45.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Lakeland and Columbia cost $59.00, on average. Booking your trip at least 10 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $31.09 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$125$100$75$50$25DJFMAMJJASON
You can find the lowest prices on this route during December. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Lakeland to Columbia, with the average price at just $84. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to $117. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Which train should you take from Lakeland to Columbia?

2 train services operate from Lakeland to Columbia. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak111h 27m$87.08
Amtrak Silver Service110h 9m$78.67
  • 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 Lakeland to Columbia every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $45.

  • 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 Lakeland to Columbia start from $68 and the average train journey lasts about 10 hours and 9 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Lakeland to Columbia

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Lakeland 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 Lakeland and Columbia is approximately 415 miles, or 669 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 4 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 Lakeland 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Lakeland at 4:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Lakeland twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Columbia faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Columbia to Lakeland.

City Information

Lakeland

Lakeland, FL, US - LAK-0

Image credit: Dave Ouellette

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Lakeland is a city between Tampa and Orlando. It is known for its rich history and architectural sites, especially the Florida Southern College, which has buildings designed by the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright. History and art lovers in Lakeland can visit the Polk Museum of Art and check out the collection of artifacts and contemporary paintings. The Munn Park Historic District in Lakeland is another city highlight, boasting early 1900s architecture and a wide range of antique shops.

Downtown Lakeland offers explosive nightlife with a wide range of breweries and taprooms. If you're interested in something new, the city has seen a massive growth of kava bars in its area. The city is also known for its annual Lakeland Festival of Light, where you can join people to light up the mountain.

It is easy to visit Lakeland from other cities by train and bus. Amtrak and FlixBus US provide daily trips from tens of other cities to the town. The Lakeland Area Mass Transit District provides public transportation within the city.

Columbia

Columbia, SC

Image credit: Brandon Dolley

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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 Lakeland?

Main departure station: 924 W Robson St

There are two stations in Lakeland where you can board the train to Columbia.

All train stations in Lakeland:

  • 924 W Robson St

  • 600 E Main St

Where is the train station in Columbia?

850 Pulaski St - CAEAMT-0

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.

All train stations in Columbia:

  • 850 Pulaski St

Get around town with Moovit

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