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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Wisconsin Dells and Columbia. The average train journey from Wisconsin Dells to Columbia takes 35 hours and 43 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 814 mi (1309 km) |
| Fastest train | 35h 43m |
| Lowest price | $304.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Wisconsin Dells to Columbia?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Wisconsin Dells to Columbia. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 1d 11h 43m | $304.00 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Wisconsin Dells to Columbia every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $304.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Wisconsin Dells and Columbia is approximately 814 miles, or 1309 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 35 hours and 43 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 Wisconsin Dells to Columbia are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Wisconsin Dells at 12:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. 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 Wisconsin Dells twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
City Information
Wisconsin Dells
Image credit: Unsplash
Wisconsin Dells is a city on the Wisconsin River, where you can see glacier-carved sandstone formations. It made a name for itself as a destination for family-friendly activities, offering multiple theme parks like Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park and Noah's Ark Water Park. Aside from having some of the best and most thrilling water parks in the US, Wisconsin Dells is also popular for its natural scenery. The Mirror Lake State Park, a forested reserve surrounding a lake, is popular for hiking, walking, and camping. There are also spots for history and architecture, like the Seth Peterson Cottage, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Museum of Historic Torture Devices.
Although it's popular as a kid-centric destination, Wisconsin Dells also offers exciting nightlife and fun activities for adults. You can check out the Ho-Chunk Gaming Casino or visit some of their interactive gaming exhibits. The Wilderness Resort and Kalahari Resort in the city have indoor mini-golf courses, and there are spots for outdoor golf open during the summer. Due to the different resorts in the city, you can also enjoy spas, restaurants, antique shops, and more. The city is home to wineries and craft breweries.
You can easily access Wisconsin Dells by train or bus, provided by Amtrak Empire Builder and OurBus, respectively.
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 Wisconsin Dells?
Main departure station: 100 LaCrosse St
There is one train station in Wisconsin Dells.
All train stations in Wisconsin Dells:
100 LaCrosse St
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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