Cheap train tickets from Columbia to Fort Lauderdale
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Columbia and Fort Lauderdale. The average train journey from Columbia to Fort Lauderdale takes 17 hours and 21 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 17 hours and 3 minutes.
| Distance | 547 mi (880 km) |
| Fastest train | 17h 3m |
| Lowest price | €65.23 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Columbia to Fort Lauderdale
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Columbia to Fort Lauderdale?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Fort Lauderdale. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 17h 22m | €116.02 |
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 Columbia to Fort Lauderdale every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €65.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Columbia to Fort Lauderdale
The distance between Columbia and Fort Lauderdale is approximately 547 miles, or 880 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 17 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 3 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.
Trains from Columbia to Fort Lauderdale are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Columbia at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Columbia twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Fort Lauderdale faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Fort Lauderdale to Columbia.
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.
Fort Lauderdale
Nicknamed the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale offers vast stretches of white sand beaches at affordable prices, allowing the average traveler to enjoy fun under the sun with ease. Fort Lauderdale Beach is the premier destination for beach-goers and nature lovers, and it is noticeably less chaotic than its counterpart at Miami Beach, making it a perfect spot for a quiet and leisurely getaway. Another alternative is the nearby Las Olas Beach, which features clean and refreshing water. Nature lovers can also take an airboat tour to the famous Everglades and get up close to the alligators.
For shopping fans, Sawgrass Mills, a famous shopping outlet with 250 stores, will be a top choice. Don’t forget to take the time for a stroll around the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District and enjoy the setting sun as the day comes to a close.
The Fort Lauderdale Amtrak station is the main train station in the city, offering quick access to other cities in the state of Florida. In the center of town, not too far from the train station, you can find the Greyhound station which is the busiest bus travel hub in Fort Lauderdale. The principal airport in the area is the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport which, as its name suggests, is located right in between the two neighboring cities. However, it's also easy to get from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Airport for more flight options.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Columbia?
Image credit: Hikki Nagasaki
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:
850 Pulaski St
Where is the train station in Fort Lauderdale?
Image credit: Phillip Pessar
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Phillip Pessar
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter
The Tri-Rail Station in Fort Lauderdale serves local Tri-Rail trains that travel throughout Florida and Amtrak trains to connect with the United States’ largest passenger rail system. Amtrak Silver Service trains stop in Fort Lauderdale along its New York to Miami route. The station features ample parking, indoor seating and restrooms, and two platforms with Mediterranean-style tiled roofs. Located adjacent to Interstate 95, it is easy to connect by highway to your final destination or head a few miles East into downtown Fort Lauderdale.
All train stations in Fort Lauderdale:
Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter
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