Cheap train tickets from Columbia to Philadelphia

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

One way
Round trip

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Columbia to Philadelphia Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.

from€26.38

Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Columbia to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from Columbia to Philadelphia usually takes 15 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 15 hours and 42 minutes.

	Distance	523 mi (842 km)
	Fastest train	15h 42m
	Lowest price	€95.85
	Most frequent service	Amtrak
	Train lines	1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Columbia to Philadelphia

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

BARBARA

August 20, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Silver Service

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.

What is the price of a train ticket from Columbia to Philadelphia?

Over the past month, a train ticket between Columbia and Philadelphia cost €114.71, 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 €133.26 more.

Average train ticket prices from Columbia to Philadelphia by travel date

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Columbia to Philadelphia will range from €100 to €344. 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 €179. 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 February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Columbia to Philadelphia, with the average price at just €123. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in November, when the average price goes up to €189. 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 €133.26 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Columbia to Philadelphia?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Philadelphia. 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	15h 46m	€186.85

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 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €96.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Columbia to Philadelphia

The distance between Columbia and Philadelphia is approximately 523 miles, or 842 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 42 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 Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Columbia at 4:00am and arrives in Philadelphia around 15 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 Philadelphia to Columbia.

City Information

Columbia

Image credit: Brandon Dolley

Link to image attribution

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 attribution

Main arrival station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Philadelphia has one train station.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Philadelphia by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

From the Wanderu blog

Your Guide to the Hottest Destinations for July 4 Read more

Why You Should Spend St. Patrick's Day in Philadelphia Read more

How to Get to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia Read more

Need a return trip from Philadelphia to Columbia?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.