Cheap train tickets from Columbia to Tampa
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Columbia to Tampa. Traveling by train from Columbia to Tampa usually takes 13 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 11 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 426 mi (686 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 52m |
| Lowest price | $63.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Floridian |
| Train lines | 2 |
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4.8 Rating
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4.5 Rating
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Columbia to Tampa Train Schedule
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Columbia to Tampa (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
September 8, 2024 - Visiting family
Amtrak Silver Service5.0
November 17, 2019 - Solo travel
Amtrak Silver ServiceThere are several train options that can take you from Columbia to Tampa:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Columbia to Tampa?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Columbia to Tampa was $63.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $84.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Columbia to Tampa by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Columbia to Tampa will cost between $61 and $139. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Columbia to Tampa by month
Ticket prices for the train from Columbia to Tampa 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 $72. If you're thinking of traveling from Columbia to Tampa during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $133 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 Columbia to Tampa on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $84.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Columbia to Tampa?
There are multiple trains that travel from Columbia to Tampa, including Amtrak Floridian, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 11h 52m | $102.87 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 36h 10m | $153.50 |
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Columbia to Tampa start from $62, and on average cost $102.87. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Tampa. Amtrak Floridian in Columbia leaves from 850 Pulaski St. And in Tampa trains arrive at Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave.
From Columbia to Tampa train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 11 hours and 52 minutes. If you are looking to get to Tampa faster, Amtrak Floridian offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 11 hours and 52 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Tampa on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $62 for a one-way weekend reservation from Columbia.
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 1 Amtrak trains from Columbia to Tampa every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $113.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Columbia to Tampa
The distance between Columbia and Tampa is approximately 426 miles, or 686 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 52 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)
426
DISTANCE (KM)
686
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Columbia at 12:35am and arrives in Tampa around 11 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
12:35am
LATEST TRAIN
12:35am
Trains from Columbia to Tampa are the most crowded on Thursday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
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.
Tampa
Sitting at the heart of the Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions and relaxing indulgences. Infused with a colorful mix of Cuban and Spanish cultural elements, the city of Tampa houses some of the most impressive historic buildings in the state, including the Henry B. Plant Museum, which boasts a permanent exhibition of Victorian-era artifacts. Animal lovers can also rejoice, as the city’s many aquariums and zoos will certainly melt your heart. Head down to the Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center for some heart-melting cuteness. And for animal lovers with a penchant for streaming docu-series, the Big Cat Rescue (yes, THAT one!) will be a great choice.
Most of the finest restaurants in town are concentrated around the Riverwalk area, which offers unrivaled views of the waterfront. Oystercatchers is reputed as one of the best establishments in town, so you should not miss out on it. Tampa’s cuisine features a very clear Cuban influence, and the best spot to try out these unique fusion dishes is at Ybor City.
The principal train station in the city is the Tampa Union Station, which is also a historic building. It is currently served by Amtrak. At the station, travelers can also take an Amtrak Thruway motorcoach to get to Orlando, Lakeland, Bradenton, etc. The main airport is Tampa International Airport, which is located just six miles west of downtown Tampa.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Columbia?
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 does the train arrive in Tampa?
Main arrival station: Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave
Opened in 1912, the Tampa Union Station is a historic train station that currently serves the Amtrak Silver Star train line, which runs from Miami to New York. The beautiful red brick station house features large windows and soaring ceilings. Located in the Channel District of Tampa, Union Station is close to several rental car agencies and has on-site and nearby parking available. Amtrak Thruway bus service stops at Union Station, and Greyhound bus service runs through a bus terminal only 0.5 miles away on Polk St.
Opened in 1912, the Tampa Union Station is a historic train station that currently serves the Amtrak Silver Star train line, which runs from Miami to New York. The beautiful red brick station house features large windows and soaring ceilings. Located in the Channel District of Tampa, Union Station is close to several rental car agencies and has on-site and nearby parking available. Amtrak Thruway bus service stops at Union Station, and Greyhound bus service runs through a bus terminal only .5 miles away on Polk St.
All train stations in Tampa:
- Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave
Need a return trip from Tampa to Columbia?
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