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
$136
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in August
Estimated hotel price
$136
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 45m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 36m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about $11 for a 2h 01m 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 Ace and Turo, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Bus, Washington Deluxe and OurBus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 140 miles and will cost you around $50. From Charlottesville, the ticket costs about $49 for a journey of 185 miles. 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 45m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 36m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about $11 for a 2h 01m 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 Ace and Turo, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Bus, Washington Deluxe and OurBus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 140 miles and will cost you around $50. From Charlottesville, the ticket costs about $49 for a journey of 185 miles. Columbia’s bus station is located 3 miles from the city center.

Airports near Columbia

FDKFrederick
FMEFort Meade Tipton

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (1,455 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,750 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,205 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,218 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,116 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,300 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,534 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,741 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,519 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,685 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,722 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,181 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,396 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,362 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,164 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,884 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,143 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,899 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (192 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (293 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 (9.3, 114 reviews)
$257+
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 699 reviews)
$110+
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Fort Meade Area
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 374 reviews)
$105+
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Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1106 reviews)
$101+
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Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 593 reviews)
$103+
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Sonesta Select Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 897 reviews)
$78+
View

Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $43 per day, on average, or $129 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.22 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 $38.61 and $51.48. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Full-size (Toyota Camry 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, 73% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $43 per day, on average, or $129 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.22 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 $38.61 and $51.48. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Full-size (Toyota Camry 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, 73% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Columbia

Pickup truck

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$46/day

Pickup truck
Find car rentals in Columbia