Cheap train tickets from Durham to Columbia
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Durham to Columbia. Traveling by train from Durham to Columbia usually takes 8 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours and 29 minutes.
| Distance | 183 mi (295 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 29m |
| Lowest price | $40.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Durham to Columbia Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Durham to Columbia?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Durham to Columbia.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$66.29 | Avg. Price$60.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration8h 57m | Duration5h 10mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Durham to Columbia:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Durham to Columbia?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Durham to Columbia was $40.00. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $52.82 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Durham to Columbia by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Durham to Columbia will cost between $37 and $57. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Durham to Columbia by month
Ticket prices for the train from Durham 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 $44. If you're thinking of traveling from Durham to Columbia during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $75 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Durham to Columbia on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $52.82 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Durham to Columbia?
There are multiple trains that travel from Durham 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 | 2 | 8h 57m | $66.29 |
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 Durham to Columbia every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Durham to Columbia
Trains leave the station in Durham twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Durham. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Durham to Columbia for $60.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Durham and Columbia is approximately 183 miles, or 295 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 29 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)
183
DISTANCE (KM)
295
The earliest train departs Durham at 1:02pm while the last train of the day leaves at 5:56pm. 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
1:02pm
LATEST TRAIN
5:56pm
Trains from Durham to Columbia are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
City Information
Durham
Durham is a little treasure cove for all fans of history and the United States’ heritage. The first and foremost thing you should try out is go on a hike on one of the city’s iconic trails. For a more traditional hiking experience, try the Eno River Trail. If you wish to enjoy a more unique experience, the American Tobacco Trail will be a better choice, as it follows the old CSX railroad. For those who want to explore the city’s rich history, check out the Stagville Plantation, which is now a museum dedicated to the city’s antebellum history, offering a unique historical perspective.
Durham’s food scene is vibrant and exciting. Fans of seafood will definitely be amazed at how fresh and delicious the seafood at Mateo Bar de Tapas is. If you wish to try out Italian eats with a twist, check out Devil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant.
The main bus station is the Transportation Center located at 515 W Pettigrew St in Downtown Durham. From there, you can take a bus to New York, Richmond, Washington D.C., and dozens of other destinations across the country. The main Amtrak train station in Durham is located around the corner from the bus stop at 601 W Main St. Durham is served by Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont lines. The city’s air services are handled by the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 12 miles southeast of 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 Durham?
Main departure station: 601 W Main St
In Durham, Amtrak’s train station is at 601 W Main St, in a historic brick warehouse originally constructed in 1897. The Carolinian line from Charlotte to New York and the Piedmont line from Charlotte to Raleigh both stop at this station in Durham. Inside the station, passengers are greeted by high ceilings (this was once a warehouse, after all!) and can find restrooms, long benches for seating, and Amtrak staff. The same building also hosts an Italian restaurant and pool hall around the corner, and several more restaurants are within a one-block walk. You can even check out the Museum of Durham History on Main St, too. The Durham Amtrak station is located in the city center, close to Duke University and Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
All train stations in Durham:
- 601 W 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 Durham?
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