Cheap train tickets from Columbia to Tampa
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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Columbia to Tampa per day. The average train journey from Columbia to Tampa takes 12 hours and 1 minute, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 426 mi (686 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 1m |
| Lowest price | $45.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Columbia to Tampa
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Columbia to Tampa?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Columbia to Tampa was $45.00. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Tampa if you book your train tickets at least 11 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $14.33.
Average train ticket prices from Columbia to Tampa by month
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Columbia to Tampa. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $68. If you're planning a trip from Columbia to Tampa during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $113 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Columbia to Tampa on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time, you can save about $14.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Columbia to Tampa?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Tampa. 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 | 12h 1m | $95.14 |
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 $45.
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 12 hours and 1 minute,
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 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Columbia at 12:00am and arrives in Tampa around 12 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Tampa with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Tampa 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.
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 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 Tampa?
Image credit: Michel Curi
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attributionMain 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.
All train stations in Tampa:
Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave
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