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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Columbia to Lynchburg. The train trip from Columbia to Lynchburg is usually about 16 hours and 36 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 16 hours and 34 minutes.
| Distance | 259 mi (416 km) |
| Fastest train | 16h 34m |
| Lowest price | $164.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Columbia to Lynchburg?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Lynchburg. 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 37m | $233.25 |
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 Lynchburg every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $164.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Columbia and Lynchburg is approximately 259 miles, or 416 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 16 hours and 34 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 Lynchburg are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Wednesday 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 Lynchburg 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 Lynchburg 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.
Lynchburg
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg, VA is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor fun. Visit the Liberty Mountain Trail System for the best hikes in the city, or head to Blackwater Creek Natural Area for babbling brooks and waterfalls.
Lynchburg has its fair share of history, most of which is preserved in the Lynchburg Museum. Exhibits focus specifically on Lynchburg’s history through artifacts, antique photographs, and artwork. Other notable places include the Anne Spencer House & Garden, former home of poet Anne Spencer, and the Legacy Museum, with collections focused on African American history. Food-wise, local favorites include the Water Dog, Shakers Restaurant, and Skyline. While you’re in the area, take a walk around the vibrant downtown scene, complete with more restaurants, plenty of shops, and a thriving nightlife – which is no surprise given that Lynchburg is home to 5 different colleges and universities.
The city does have the Lynchburg Regional Airport, although it only offers commercial flights to Charlotte, NC. Luckily, if you’re traveling from anywhere else, you can easily get to Lynchburg via Greyhound and Amtrak, both of which have stations downtown. The most popular train routes to Lynchburg come from New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Chicago. Meanwhile, buses typically connect from New York, Baltimore, and Charlotte.
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 Lynchburg?
Main arrival station: 825 Kemper St
Lynchburg has one train station.
All train stations in Lynchburg:
825 Kemper St
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