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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Columbia to Frederick. The train trip from Columbia to Frederick is usually about 16 hours and 16 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 16 hours and 11 minutes.
| Distance | 424 mi (683 km) |
| Fastest train | 16h 11m |
| Lowest price | $240.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Columbia to Frederick?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Frederick. 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 | 16h 16m | $240.00 |
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 Frederick every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $240.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Columbia and Frederick is approximately 424 miles, or 683 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 16 hours and 11 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 Frederick are the most crowded on Monday. 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 days, there is only one train which leaves Columbia at 4:00am and arrives in Frederick around 16 hours later.
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 Frederick 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.
Frederick
Image credit: Pixabay
Frederick is a city in western Maryland with mountainous views and clustered spires. The city is popular for its intimidating 40-block historic district and Civil War sites. History buffs will enjoy the diverse history spots in the city, from the National Museum of Civil War Museum, which offers battlefield medical care exhibits, to the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum in a 1750s German colonial house. If you're traveling with children, you should visit the Rose Holl Manor Park & Museum, which includes a children's museum, the Adventure Park USA, offering fun rides, and the Gambrill State Park, which appeals to hikers. Art lovers can see virtual art exhibits at the Delaplaine Arts Center.
Downtown Frederick is an exciting spot in the city, as the entertainment district features a thriving craft beer scene, specialty stores, art galleries, and eateries. In the downtown area, you can check out Carroll Creek Park, which features fountains, footpaths, and an amphitheater where you enjoy performing arts. The Frederick Festival of the Arts is a mainstay in the city, but the Maryland Craft Beer Festival is another top reason to visit.
You can easily visit Frederick by train, with most of the train routes provided by Amtrak. If you decide to go by bus, Jefferson Lines has plenty of trips. TransIT provides bus routes within the city.
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 Frederick?
Main arrival station: Frederick Transit Center-MARC Station
Frederick receives travelers from Columbia at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Frederick:
Frederick Transit Center-MARC Station
1341 Hughes Ford Rd
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