Cheap train tickets from Charlotte to Columbia

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Charlotte to Columbia. Traveling by train from Charlotte to Columbia usually takes 13 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 25 minutes.

Distance: 85 mi (137 km)
Fastest train: 9h 25m
Lowest price: RON 221.62
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Charlotte to Columbia Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Charlotte to Columbia:

Amtrak tickets: RON 222 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Charlotte to Columbia was RON 280.63. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 92.99 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Charlotte to Columbia by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charlotte to Columbia will cost between RON 226 and RON 337. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Charlotte to Columbia by month

Ticket prices for the train from Charlotte to Columbia often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only RON 291. If you're thinking of traveling from Charlotte to Columbia during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 374 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Charlotte to Columbia on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 92.99 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Charlotte to Columbia?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Charlotte to Columbia. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	13h 24m	RON 312.47

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 2 Amtrak trains from Charlotte to Columbia every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 221.62.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charlotte to Columbia

The distance between Charlotte and Columbia is approximately 85 miles, or 137 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 25 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)

Distance (km)

137

The earliest train departs Charlotte at 5:31am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

5:31am

Last train

3:00pm

Trains from Charlotte to Columbia are the most crowded on Sunday. 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.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Charlotte

A mecca for fans of speed in general and for NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is a burgeoning urban center that still retains its southern charm. Even if you are not a hardcore fan of NASCAR, it is still worth taking the time to check it out. Housing more than just plaques dedicated to legendary drivers, the museum also features high-tech exhibits, as well as racing simulators to keep you enthralled. If cars are not your thing, the bustling Uptown area, which houses the city’s top museums such as Discovery Place or Mint Museum Uptown, will offer a day’s worth of interesting facts to enjoy. When you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown, Freedom Park, located about three miles north of the city center, provides a natural refuge where you can recover.

Charlotte’s food scene is brimming with life, as modernized Southern staples take the city by storm. Perhaps the best place to enjoy the tastiest Southern dishes in town is at Price’s Chicken Coop. If you are looking to enjoy some fine barbecues, Midwood Smokehouse or Noble Smoke might have what you need.

Charlotte’s busiest bus station is at W 4th St in the heart of the city, offering bus trips by several carriers like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines to other cities such as Richmond or New York. The city is served by three Amtrak lines: the Crescent, the Carolinian, and the Piedmont. Travelers can catch these trains at the station on Tryon St in Lockwood. The main airport of the city is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the sixth-busiest airport in the country. It is located 6 miles from the city center.

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 is the train station in Charlotte?

Main departure station: 1914 N Tryon St

The busiest train station in North Carolina is located at 1914 N Tryon St, slightly northeast of downtown Charlotte. This station is the origin point for the Amtrak Carolinian to New York City and the Amtrak Piedmont to Raleigh. The Amtrak Crescent also stops in Charlotte on its route from New York City to New Orleans. The station has free parking and vending machines onsite, and is close to several stations for the local LYNX light rail.

All train stations in Charlotte:

1914 N Tryon St

Where is the train station 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 Charlotte?

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