5.0
Pros: My trip was ok and I get to see friends, and get some rest . Cons: To be on time ,can few minutes later but 2 ,3 hours later. Tips: Amtrak is safe to travel on good environments.
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Columbia to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from Columbia to Philadelphia usually takes 14 hours and 25 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Silver Service train can make the trip in 13 hours and 26 minutes.
| Distance | 523 mi (842 km) |
| Fastest train | 13h 26m |
| Lowest price | $116.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Silver Service |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Columbia to Philadelphia
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Columbia to Philadelphia?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Columbia and Philadelphia cost $140.53, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $133.88 more.
Average prices by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Columbia to Philadelphia will range from $118 to $201. If you're planning to travel by train to Philadelphia in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Columbia you can find in the next 7 days is $137. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly avg. prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during September. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Columbia to Philadelphia, with the average price at just $119. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in April, when the average price goes up to $182. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Columbia to Philadelphia, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $133.88 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Columbia to Philadelphia?
2 train services operate from Columbia to Philadelphia. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 15h 52m | $183.25 |
| Amtrak Silver Service | 1 | 13h 26m | $160.53 |
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 Philadelphia every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $116.
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 Philadelphia start from $117 and the average train journey lasts about 13 hours and 26 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Columbia and Philadelphia is approximately 523 miles, or 842 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 25 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 26 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 Philadelphia 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 Monday. Monday 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.
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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.
Philadelphia
We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?
Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.
Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.
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 Philadelphia?
Image credit: Ben Schumin
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Philadelphia has one train station.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
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