Cheap train tickets from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE. Traveling by train from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE usually takes 15 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 15 hours and 14 minutes.

Distance: 499 mi (803 km)
Fastest train: 15h 14m
Lowest price: $116.00
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE:

Amtrak tickets: $116 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE?

In the last month, train tickets from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE cost about $116 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 11 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $194 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE will cost between $119 and $329. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE by month

Ticket prices for the train from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE 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 $166. If you're thinking of traveling from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $229 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time, you can save about $194 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	15h 17m	$208.86

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 is 1 Amtrak train from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from $116.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE

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 Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Columbia, SC and Wilmington, DE is approximately 499 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 14 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)

499

Distance (km)

803

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Columbia, SC at 4:22 AM and arrives in Wilmington, DE around 15 hours later.

First train

4:22am

Last train

4:22am

Trains from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, DE 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a major city in Delaware, established at the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. The charming city, at the confluence of the Brandywine River and Christina River, offers easy connections to the lush countryside of Brandywine Valley. Thanks to the venerable du Pont family, who established the DuPont Company in Wilmington in 1802, the city is filled with grand estates and magnificent gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Hagley Museum & Library is the ultimate example. The expansive complex includes the first home of the du Pont family, powder yards from the company's initial gunpowder mill, and a Renaissance-style garden complete with terraces.

To dive deeper into the city's history, check out the Fort Christina State Park, the site of Wilmington's original Swedish settlement nearly 400 years ago. Other popular attractions include the Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.

Wilmington is easy to access from most of the mid-Atlantic region and is located between Philadelphia and Washington. In 2011, the city's Amtrak train station was renamed the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station in honor of rail enthusiast Joe Biden, who often commuted via Amtrak from Wilmington to Washington during his time as a Senator. Buses from Wilmington also connect to cities like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Since the regional Wilmington Airport does not offer civilian flights, travelers can easily take a bus to the airport in Philadelphia for any air travel out of the area.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Columbia, SC?

Main departure 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, SC:

850 Pulaski St

Where is the train station in Wilmington, DE?

Main arrival station: Amtrak/SEPTA Station

Wilmington, DE has one train station.

All train stations in Wilmington, DE:

Amtrak/SEPTA Station

Need a return trip from Wilmington, DE to Columbia, SC?

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