Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Columbia
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Chicago to Columbia. Traveling by train from Chicago to Columbia usually takes 28 hours and 45 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 652 mi (1049 km) |
| Fastest train | 28h 45m |
| Lowest price | $249.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Floridian |
| Train lines | 1 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Chicago to Columbia Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Chicago to Columbia?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Columbia.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$330.14 | Avg. Price$270.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration28h 45mFaster | Duration47h 16m |
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Columbia:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Columbia?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Columbia was $249.00. Considering the distance between Chicago and Columbia, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $182.25 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Columbia by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Columbia will cost between $240 and $363. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Columbia by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Columbia often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $228. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Columbia during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $445 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Columbia on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about $182.25 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Chicago to Columbia?
There are multiple trains that travel from Chicago to Columbia, including Amtrak Floridian. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 28h 45m | $330.14 |
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Chicago to Columbia start from $245, and on average cost $330.14. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Columbia. Amtrak Floridian in Chicago leaves from Union Station. And in Columbia trains arrive at 850 Pulaski St.
From Chicago to Columbia train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 28 hours and 45 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 $245 for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Columbia
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Columbia with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Columbia to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Columbia for $270.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Chicago and Columbia is approximately 652 miles, or 1049 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 28 hours and 45 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)
652
DISTANCE (KM)
1049
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 6:40pm and arrives in Columbia around 28 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:40pm
LATEST TRAIN
6:40pm
Trains from Chicago 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
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
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 Chicago?
Main departure station: Union Station
The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union 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 Chicago?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Chicago
Continue by train from Columbia
Check out these popular routes
- Boston to Philadelphia Train$154+
- Seattle to New York Train$603+
- Seattle, WA to Vancouver, WA Train$53+
- Seattle to Portland Train$53+
- San Diego to Los Angeles Train$36+
- Portland, ME to Seattle, WA Train$490+
- Los Angeles to San Diego Train$43+
- Québec City to Montreal Train$48+
- Los Angeles to Seattle Train$233+
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.