Cheap train tickets from Ocala to Columbia
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Ocala to Columbia. Traveling by train from Ocala to Columbia usually takes 9 hours and 1 minute, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 339 mi (545 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 1m |
| Lowest price | $90.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Ocala to Columbia Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Ocala to Columbia:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Ocala to Columbia?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Ocala to Columbia was $90.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 15 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $20.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Ocala to Columbia by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Ocala to Columbia is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $90 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Ocala to Columbia by month
Ticket prices for the train from Ocala 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 $91. If you're thinking of traveling from Ocala to Columbia during January, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $141 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 Ocala to Columbia on Wanderu at least 15 days ahead of time, you can save about $20.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Ocala to Columbia?
There are multiple trains that travel from Ocala 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 | 9h 1m | $98.00 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Ocala to Columbia
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 Ocala. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Ocala to Columbia for $305.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Ocala and Columbia is approximately 339 miles, or 545 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 1 minute, 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)
339
DISTANCE (KM)
545
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Ocala at 7:10pm and arrives in Columbia around 9 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:10pm
LATEST TRAIN
7:10pm
Trains from Ocala 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
Ocala
Ocala is where the Florida of theme parks and Gulf of Mexico beaches gives way to the other Florida where traditional southern charm continues to make itself known. Located in the north of the state, just shy of the Florida panhandle, Ocala was established in 1849.
Formerly rich in plantations and citrus fruit orchards, today Ocala is a gateway to Florida's natural landscapes, such as the Rainbow Springs State Park and the Ocala National Forest.
One of the state's largest areas of protected forest, the Ocala National Forest spans a mesmerizing 600 square miles of unspoiled woodland crossed by almost innumerable rivers, footpaths, mountain biking tracks, and horse trails. Learn how to bring your bike on the bus or train with you to save money on renting one there.
But that's not to say central Ocala is free of attractions. The Ocala Historic District contains a blend of residential and non-residential buildings worth exploring. For example, The Appleton Museum of Art has a collection stretching from pre-Columbian tribal objects to the latest in modernism.
If all this has you checking out tickets to Ocala, you'll be happy to hear the city is well served by both bus and train routes. You can catch a bus to anywhere from Tallahassee to Houston, while trains connect the area to places like Winter Haven and Baltimore.
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 Ocala?
Main departure station: Central Transfer Station
The Central Transfer Station on First Ave in Ocala is a bus stop for Amtrak Thruway buses and local SunTran buses. Buses pull up to the lot adjacent to the red brick building near the train tracks; however, the building does not have a waiting area for passengers, and you will board the bus from the curb. The bus stop is right next to Tuscawilla Art Park and Tuscawilla Lake, so if you have time to kill, walk around the park grounds and check out the unique sculptures scattered throughout. You can also grab coffee or tea from Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar across the street.
All train stations in Ocala:
- Central Transfer 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 Ocala?
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