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, Blackwall Barn & Lodge (6000 Merriweather Dr suite b140) and Iron Bridge Wine Company - Columbia (10435 State Route 108) are great picks.

When to visit Columbia

Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$138
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$138
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 Knoxville and takes around 1h 26m.

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.

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 Knoxville and takes around 1h 26m.

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.

Airports near Columbia

FDKFrederick
FMEFort Meade Tipton

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (1,571 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,197 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,481 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,547 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,248 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,645 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,729 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,655 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,159 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,972 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,205 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,573 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,529 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,467 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,429 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,380 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,038 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,868 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (318 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (236 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 (8.8, 121 reviews)
$256+
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 721 reviews)
$129+
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Homewood Suites By Hilton Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 333 reviews)
$129+
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Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1096 reviews)
$117+
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Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 946 reviews)
$130+
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Hampton Inn Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 686 reviews)
$116+
View

Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $54 per day, on average, or $162 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86. 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 Compact rental cars (Nissan Sentra or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $54 per day, on average, or $162 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86. 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 Compact rental cars (Nissan Sentra or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Columbia

Standard

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$63/day

Standard

Minivan

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$64/day

Minivan
Find car rentals in Columbia