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
$125
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$125
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 10 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Columbia departs from Atlanta and takes around 1h 35m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Lufthansa. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 33m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $28 for a 2h 23m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car rental from New York, which is about 185 miles 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 Washington Deluxe, OurBus and Bus. Columbia’s bus station is located 3 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Columbia, you’ll arrive at Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI), which is located 10 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Columbia departs from Atlanta and takes around 1h 35m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Lufthansa. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 33m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $28 for a 2h 23m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car rental from New York, which is about 185 miles 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 Washington Deluxe, OurBus and Bus. Columbia’s bus station is located 3 miles from the city center.

Airports near Columbia

FDKFrederick
FMEFort Meade Tipton

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (1,434 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,014 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,605 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,111 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,056 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,105 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,686 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,442 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,513 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,551 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,336 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,103 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,620 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,339 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,510 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,152 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,897 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,095 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (284 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,075 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 (9.2, 112 reviews)
$258+
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Holiday Inn Baltimore BWI Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1089 reviews)
$96+
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 693 reviews)
$98+
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Fort Meade Area
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 364 reviews)
$105+
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Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1101 reviews)
$90+
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Sonesta Select Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 888 reviews)
$82+
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Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $69 per day, on average, or $208 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.26 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 $39.07 and $52.09. 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 Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 63% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $69 per day, on average, or $208 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.26 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 $39.07 and $52.09. 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 Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 63% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Columbia

Luxury

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$53/day

Luxury

Premium SUV

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$71/day

Premium SUV
Find car rentals in Columbia