Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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.

Article

Where to Eat in Columbia

If you’re looking for affordable options, Glenwood's - Stanford Grill: Columbia (8900 Stanford Boulevard) and The Food Market - Columbia (10480 Little Patuxent Pkwy) are great picks.

When to visit Columbia

Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$128
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$128
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 Atlanta and takes around 1h 40m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Philadelphia takes 1h 56m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Charlottesville, expect to pay about $20 for a 2h 27m 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 Turo and Drive Tri-State, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, Washington Deluxe and Bus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 290 km and will cost you around $42. From New York, the ticket costs about $36 for a journey of 426 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 Atlanta and takes around 1h 40m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Philadelphia takes 1h 56m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Charlottesville, expect to pay about $20 for a 2h 27m 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 Turo and Drive Tri-State, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, Washington Deluxe and Bus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 290 km and will cost you around $42. From New York, the ticket costs about $36 for a journey of 426 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city center.

Airports near Columbia

FDKFrederick
FMEFort Meade Tipton

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (1,434 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,655 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,018 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,150 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,071 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,133 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,697 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,460 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,518 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,597 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,356 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,632 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,121 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,165 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,345 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,647 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,109 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (289 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,901 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (186 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Columbia

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Extended Stay America Select Suites - Columbia - Gateway Drive and Extended Stay America Suites - Columbia - Columbia Corporate Park.

Where to stay in popular areas of Columbia

Most booked hotels in Columbia

See all
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 696 reviews)
$87+
View
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Fort Meade Area
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 369 reviews)
$105+
View
Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1105 reviews)
$101+
View
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 590 reviews)
$100+
View
Sonesta Select Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 892 reviews)
$80+
View
DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Baltimore - BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8, 1056 reviews)
$74+
View

Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $73 per day, on average, or $219 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 10% more expensive than at Baltimore/Washington.

Expect to pay $3.18 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 $38.16 and $50.88. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Full-size (Hyundai Santa Fe or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 57% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $73 per day, on average, or $219 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 10% more expensive than at Baltimore/Washington.

Expect to pay $3.18 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 $38.16 and $50.88. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Full-size (Hyundai Santa Fe or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 57% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Columbia

Pickup truck

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$50/day

Pickup truck

Luxury

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$55/day

Luxury
Find car rentals in Columbia