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
$124
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$124
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 Tampa and takes around 2h 15m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Philadelphia takes 1h 59m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Newark, expect to pay about $22 for a 3h 05m trip.

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.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, OurBus and Washington Deluxe. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 290 km and will cost you around $13. From Charlottesville, the ticket costs about $53 for a journey of 298 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city center.

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 Tampa and takes around 2h 15m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Philadelphia takes 1h 59m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Newark, expect to pay about $22 for a 3h 05m trip.

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.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, OurBus and Washington Deluxe. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 290 km and will cost you around $13. From Charlottesville, the ticket costs about $53 for a journey of 298 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city center.

Airports near Columbia

FDKFrederick
FMEFort Meade Tipton

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (1,430 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,013 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,564 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,082 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,072 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,040 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,676 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,429 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,502 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,512 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,330 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,596 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,085 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,334 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,143 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,408 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,082 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (281 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,897 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,088 reviews)
Show more

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 (9.2, 111 reviews)
$242+
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Live! Casino And Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 547 reviews)
$174+
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 690 reviews)
$112+
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Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1099 reviews)
$102+
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Hampton Inn Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 657 reviews)
$87+
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Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 588 reviews)
$102+
View

Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $45 per day, on average, or $134 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Compact (Toyota Corolla 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, 40% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $45 per day, on average, or $134 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Compact (Toyota Corolla 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, 40% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Columbia

Standard

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$50/day

Standard

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$51/day

Intermediate
Find car rentals in Columbia