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Cheap train tickets from Columbia to Norfolk

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Columbia to Norfolk Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Columbia to Norfolk. The train trip from Columbia to Norfolk is usually about 16 hours and 27 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 14 hours and 56 minutes.

Distance332 mi (534 km)
Fastest train14h 56m
Lowest price$68.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Columbia to Norfolk was $73.00. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Norfolk if you book your train tickets at least 10 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $24.67.

Monthly avg. prices

$200$160$120$80$40JFMAMJJASOND
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 Norfolk, with the average price at just $119. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to $178. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Which train should you take from Columbia to Norfolk?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbia to Norfolk. 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak116h 27m$130.72
  • 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 Norfolk every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $68.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Columbia to Norfolk

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Columbia to Norfolk. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Columbia and Norfolk is approximately 332 miles, or 534 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 14 hours and 56 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 departing from Columbia to Norfolk tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Columbia at 4:00am and arrives in Norfolk around 14 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 Norfolk to Columbia.

City Information

Columbia

Columbia, SC

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.

Norfolk

Norfolk, VA - NFK-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Norfolk, VA - NFK-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Norfolk, VA - NFK-2

Image credit: Unsplash

A trip to Norfolk, VA will take your breath away. Sail away from its shores and just let the wind take you to a place of calm and quiet where you can shed your worries.

There are so many things to do in and around the coastal city of Norfolk. Start off with its main historic landmark, the 400-year-old port that houses the most extensive naval base in the world. Other history-rich areas worth visiting include St. Paul's Episcopal Church and MacArthur Memorial.

If you crave some water adventures, remember that you can always sail, fish, swim, kayak, and cruise in Norfolk. You can also sign up for the Naval Base Tour or visit the Nauticus Museum and Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Finally, don't forget to spend a day or two at the beach to rejuvenate your soul.

Arts and entertainment, nightlife, and shopping are thriving in Norfolk, too. If you wish to enjoy some live performances, visit the Harrison Opera house. Nightlife is always at its best downtown, particularly at Baxter's or Scotty Quixx. If you plan to do some shopping, the Selden Market offers the most eclectic selections of all.

Walking is the best mode of transportation in Norfolk, but there's also the Tide, which is the city's light rail system that can take you to your destination faster. It runs a 7.5-mile-long route that covers pretty much the entire downtown area with its 11 stops. Both Amtrak train service and bus service from carriers like Greyhound and OurBus make Norfolk easy to travel to for your next trip.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Columbia?

850 Pulaski St - CAEAMT-0

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 Norfolk?

Harbor Park Station -{"city":"Norfolk","country":"US","postal":"23510","state":"VA","street1":"280 Park Ave, Harbor Park, lot D"} - NFKAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Harbor Park Station

Trains to Norfolk stop at the Harbor Park Station, adjacent to the city's Minor League Baseball stadium, Harbor Park. Greyhound buses also stop at this location in Norfolk. The station is a modern, well-lit building with many windows and comfortable seating inside. There is plentiful parking on-site, but be aware that fees may apply when there are events at the stadium. Downtown Norfolk is only a mile away, and you can connect to the local Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) rail via its Harbor Park station in the same area.

All train stations in Norfolk:

  • Harbor Park Station

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