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
$128
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$128
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 New Haven and takes around 1h 14m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about $17 for a 1h 55m 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 OurBus, Bus and Washington Deluxe. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 160 miles and will cost you around $25. From New York, the ticket costs about $25 for a journey of 240 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 New Haven and takes around 1h 14m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about $17 for a 1h 55m 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 OurBus, Bus and Washington Deluxe. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 160 miles and will cost you around $25. From New York, the ticket costs about $25 for a journey of 240 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 (1,420 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,998 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,538 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,052 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,672 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,033 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,043 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,421 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,497 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,471 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,312 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,585 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,068 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,334 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,139 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,340 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,073 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (281 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,903 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,097 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 (9.3, 110 reviews)
$237+
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 690 reviews)
$108+
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Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1093 reviews)
$102+
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Hampton Inn Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 656 reviews)
$91+
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Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 588 reviews)
$99+
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Sonesta Select Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 880 reviews)
$82+
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Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $52 per day, on average, or $156 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. Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Columbia, while also 40% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $52 per day, on average, or $156 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. Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Columbia, while also 40% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Columbia

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$36/day

Economy

Standard SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$44/day

Standard SUV
Find car rentals in Columbia