Columbia travel guide

Columbia Tourism | Columbia Guide

You're Going to Love Columbia

With a population of 99 615, Columbia is a must-see destination in Maryland, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Columbia has to offer.

Where to Eat in Columbia

If you’re looking for affordable options, Maggiano's - Columbia (10300 Little Patuxent Parkway) and Uncle Julio's - Columbia (10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Ste 2530) are great picks.

When to visit Columbia

Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$103
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$103
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Columbia

Plane

When flying to Columbia, you’ll arrive at Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI), which is located 17 km from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Columbia departs from Miami and takes around 2h 34m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbia. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $18 for a 1h 53m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car rental from New York, which is about 298 km from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Megabus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and CoachRun. From Baltimore, the bus ride to Columbia takes 97 km and will cost you around $10. From Philadelphia, the ticket costs about $20 for a journey of 274 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Columbia, you’ll arrive at Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI), which is located 17 km from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Columbia departs from Miami and takes around 2h 34m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbia. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $18 for a 1h 53m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car rental from New York, which is about 298 km from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Megabus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and CoachRun. From Baltimore, the bus ride to Columbia takes 97 km and will cost you around $10. From Philadelphia, the ticket costs about $20 for a journey of 274 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city center.

Airports near Columbia

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (842 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,643 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,575 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,595 reviews)
Air France
Good (982 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,107 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,424 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,988 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (6,010 reviews)
Finnair
Good (855 reviews)
LOT
Good (677 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (935 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,169 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (838 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,755 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (532 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (734 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,574 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,358 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (188 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Columbia

Most booked hotels in Columbia

Live! Casino And Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 532 reviews)
$215+
DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 429 reviews)
$145+
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 498 reviews)
$126+
Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1152 reviews)
$147+
Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore, An IHG Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 770 reviews)
$135+
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8, 1418 reviews)
$152+

Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $68 per day, on average, or $204 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Intermediate (Chevrolet Bolt EUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Spark or similar) are, on average, 53% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $68 per day, on average, or $204 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Intermediate (Chevrolet Bolt EUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Spark or similar) are, on average, 53% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.