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
$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 10 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Columbia departs from Atlanta and takes around 1h 45m.

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.

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.

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.

Airports near Columbia

FDKFrederick
FMEFort Meade Tipton

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (1,565 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,188 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,479 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,528 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,258 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,647 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,734 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,656 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,120 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,964 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,212 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,532 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,513 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,430 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,456 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,373 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,031 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,839 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (315 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (234 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, 121 reviews)
$274+
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 721 reviews)
$129+
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Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1098 reviews)
$119+
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Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 605 reviews)
$111+
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Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 945 reviews)
$130+
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Hampton Inn Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 691 reviews)
$110+
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Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $58 per day, on average, or $174 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $4.35 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 $52.24 and $69.65. 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, 61% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $58 per day, on average, or $174 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $4.35 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 $52.24 and $69.65. 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, 61% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Columbia

Intermediate SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$57/day

Intermediate SUV

Pickup truck

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$60/day

Pickup truck
Find car rentals in Columbia