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Norfolk - Columbia Train Schedule
- Sat
- Sat
- Thu,
- Fri
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Norfolk to Columbia. Traveling by train from Norfolk to Columbia usually takes 15 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 12 hours and 42 minutes.
| Distance | 332 mi (534 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 42m |
| Lowest price | $102.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Norfolk to Columbia?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Norfolk to Columbia was $102.00. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Norfolk and Columbia. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Columbia if you book your train tickets at least 25 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $54.25.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Norfolk to Columbia, book online with Wanderu at least 25 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $54.25 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Norfolk to Columbia?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Norfolk to Columbia. 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 33m | $142.19 |
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 Norfolk to Columbia every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $102.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Norfolk and Columbia is approximately 332 miles, or 534 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Norfolk to Columbia. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Norfolk at 6:00am and arrives in Columbia around 12 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 Columbia to Norfolk.
City Information
Norfolk
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Norfolk?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain departure 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
Where is the train station in Columbia?
Image credit: Hikki Nagasaki
Main arrival 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
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More trains from Norfolk
- Train from Norfolk to Cary
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- Train from Norfolk to Durham
$61+
- Train from Norfolk to Raleigh
$64+
- Norfolk to Newark Train
$135+
- Train from Norfolk to New Rochelle
$150+
- Train from Norfolk to New York
$129+
- Train from Norfolk to Rensselaer
$205+
- Norfolk to Harrisburg Train
$140+
- Norfolk to North Charleston Train
$112+
Continue by train from Columbia
- Columbia to Durham Train
$62+
- Train from Columbia to Greensboro
$61+
- Columbia to Winston-Salem
$69+
- Train from Columbia to New York
$189+
- Columbia to Greenville
$124+
- Train from Columbia to North Charleston
$55+
- Columbia to Norfolk Train
$143+
- Train from Columbia to Richmond
$138+
- Train from Columbia to Virginia Beach
$167+
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