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 December
Estimated hotel price
$137
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$137
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.

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 Drive Tri-State and Payless, among others, in New York.

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.

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 Drive Tri-State and Payless, among others, in New York.

Airports near Columbia

FDKFrederick
FMEFort Meade Tipton

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (1,596 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,282 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,467 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,239 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,647 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,711 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,686 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,459 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (2,024 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,557 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,861 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,538 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,191 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,416 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (321 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,395 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (13,140 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,063 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (249 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

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Merriweather Lakehouse, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 124 reviews)
$262+
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 724 reviews)
$127+
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Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 613 reviews)
$99+
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1644 reviews)
$120+
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Hampton Inn Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 698 reviews)
$101+
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La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Baltimore Bwi Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8, 1253 reviews)
$80+
View

Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $52 per day, on average, or $156 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $4.62 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 $55.42 and $73.89. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Honda Civic or similar) are, on average, 50% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $52 per day, on average, or $156 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $4.62 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 $55.42 and $73.89. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Honda Civic or similar) are, on average, 50% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Columbia

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$46/day

Compact

Minivan

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$55/day

Minivan
Find car rentals in Columbia