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.

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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 August
Estimated hotel price
$135
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in August
Estimated hotel price
$135
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 45m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Wilmington takes 1h 35m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about $11 for a 1h 55m 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 Payless, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Bus, OurBus and Peter Pan Bus Lines. From Richmond, the bus ride to Columbia takes 225 km and will cost you around $38. From Philadelphia, the ticket costs about $19 for a journey of 257 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 45m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Wilmington takes 1h 35m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about $11 for a 1h 55m 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 Payless, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Bus, OurBus and Peter Pan Bus Lines. From Richmond, the bus ride to Columbia takes 225 km and will cost you around $38. From Philadelphia, the ticket costs about $19 for a journey of 257 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 (1,505 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,906 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,323 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,433 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,191 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,578 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,629 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,751 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,560 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,955 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,188 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,390 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,217 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,433 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,289 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,951 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,273 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (208 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (305 reviews)
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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
Merriweather Lakehouse, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (9.2, 115 reviews)
$289+
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Holiday Inn Baltimore BWI Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1116 reviews)
$114+
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 715 reviews)
$119+
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Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 597 reviews)
$107+
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Sonesta Select Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 933 reviews)
$71+
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8, 1570 reviews)
$119+
View

Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $52 per day, on average, or $157 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $4.47 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 $53.60 and $71.47. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard rental cars (Class Commercial Truck or similar) are, on average, 71% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $52 per day, on average, or $157 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $4.47 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 $53.60 and $71.47. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard rental cars (Class Commercial Truck or similar) are, on average, 71% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Columbia

Pickup truck

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$54/day

Pickup truck

Minivan

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$56/day

Minivan
Find car rentals in Columbia