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Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Columbia and Baltimore. The average train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 13 hours and 42 minutes, but some Amtrak Silver Service train trips are as short as 12 hours and 12 minutes.
| Distance | 440 mi (708 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 12m |
| Lowest price | $105.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Columbia to Baltimore?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Columbia to Baltimore was $120.73. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Columbia and Baltimore. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Baltimore if you book your train tickets at least 27 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $103.84.
Average prices by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Columbia to Baltimore is expected to fluctuate between $108 and $209 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Baltimore in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Columbia is $121.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Columbia to Baltimore, book online with Wanderu at least 27 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $103.84 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Columbia to Baltimore?
2 train services operate from Columbia to Baltimore. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 14h 3m | $145.60 |
| Amtrak Silver Service | 1 | 12h 13m | $148.63 |
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 Baltimore every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $107.
The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Columbia to Baltimore start from $104 and the average train journey lasts about 12 hours and 13 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Columbia and Baltimore is approximately 440 miles, or 708 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 12 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Columbia to Baltimore on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Columbia at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Columbia to Baltimore. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Baltimore 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.
Baltimore
Baltimore is a seaport in Maryland best known for its crab cakes and baseball legend, Babe Ruth. As there is plenty to see in Charm City, you'll be singing "Good Morning, Baltimore'' as soon as you experience all of the sights and activities this quirky town has to offer.
Some of Baltimore's most impressive attractions are centered in and around Inner Harbor. This scenic waterfront is filled with historic ships, dating as far back as the Civil War in the case of the USS Constellation. Alongside shops and restaurants, Inner Harbor also hosts the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several entertainment venues where you can catch live music. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the harbor from atop Federal Hill Park, or if you prefer the view that inspired "The Star Spangled Banner," head out to Fort McHenry, known for its role in the War of 1812.
Baltimore is one of the stops on Wanderu's recommended East Coast wine tour, but don't worry about racking up a hefty tab; luckily, Baltimore is also one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S., with the cheapest bottle of beer going for just $1.42. Enjoy your wine or beer along the Avenue in Hampden, a neighborhood known for its hipster bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
Ready to plan your Baltimore adventure? Numerous bus and train options make Baltimore affordably accessible by ground transportation, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport not only offers hundreds of daily flights, it also is one of the best airports for food in the U.S.
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 Baltimore?
Main arrival station: Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)
Baltimore receives travelers from Columbia at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Baltimore:
Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)
Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St
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