Cheap train tickets from Lakeland to Columbia
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Lakeland to Columbia. Traveling by train from Lakeland to Columbia usually takes 11 hours and 27 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 10 hours and 46 minutes.
| Distance | 415 mi (669 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 46m |
| Lowest price | $73.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Floridian |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Lakeland to Columbia Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Lakeland to Columbia:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Lakeland to Columbia?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Lakeland to Columbia was $90.50. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $55.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Lakeland to Columbia by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Lakeland to Columbia will cost between $63 and $117. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Lakeland to Columbia by month
Ticket prices for the train from Lakeland to Columbia 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 $90. If you're thinking of traveling from Lakeland to Columbia during January, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $124 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in January, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Lakeland to Columbia on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about $55.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Lakeland to Columbia?
There are multiple trains that travel from Lakeland to Columbia, including Amtrak Floridian, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 10h 46m | $96.00 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 12h 11m | $124.74 |
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Lakeland to Columbia start from $62, and on average cost $96. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Columbia. Amtrak Floridian in Lakeland leaves from Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St. And in Columbia trains arrive at 850 Pulaski St.
From Lakeland to Columbia train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 10 hours and 46 minutes. If you are looking to get to Columbia faster, Amtrak Floridian offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 10 hours and 46 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Columbia on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $62 for a one-way weekend reservation from Lakeland.
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 $98.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Lakeland to Columbia
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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Lakeland to Columbia for $300.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
1
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 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 46 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)
415
DISTANCE (KM)
669
The earliest train departs Lakeland at 4:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 5:25pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
4:00pm
LATEST TRAIN
5:25pm
Trains from Lakeland 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 traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
Lakeland
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
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 Lakeland?
Main departure station: Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St
There are two stations in Lakeland where you can board the train to Columbia.
All train stations in Lakeland:
- Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St
- Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St
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 Lakeland?
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