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.

Where to Eat in Columbia

If you’re looking for affordable options, Maggiano's - Columbia (10300 Little Patuxent Parkway) and Uncle Julio's - Columbia (10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Ste 2530) are great picks.

When to visit Columbia

Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$103
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$103
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 Fort Lauderdale and takes around 2h 30m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbia. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around $5 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $16 for a 1h 54m 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 Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Megabus, Bus and CoachRun. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 175 miles and will cost you around $12. From New York, the ticket costs about $19 for a journey of 260 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 Fort Lauderdale and takes around 2h 30m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbia. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around $5 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $16 for a 1h 54m 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 Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Megabus, Bus and CoachRun. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 175 miles and will cost you around $12. From New York, the ticket costs about $19 for a journey of 260 miles. Columbia’s bus station is located 3 miles from the city center.

Airports near Columbia

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (858 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,488 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,599 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,557 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,939 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,126 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,484 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,786 reviews)
Finnair
Good (880 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,166 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (916 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,568 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (712 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (497 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,606 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (182 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Columbia

Most booked hotels in Columbia

Live! Casino And Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 529 reviews)
$215+
DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 446 reviews)
$159+
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 508 reviews)
$120+
Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1175 reviews)
$156+
Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore, An IHG Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 777 reviews)
$123+
Sonesta Select Columbia
3 stars
Good (7.9, 1129 reviews)
$115+

Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $50 per day, on average, or $151 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.94 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 $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Premium rental cars (Chevrolet Impala or similar) are, on average, 49% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $50 per day, on average, or $151 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.94 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 $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Premium rental cars (Chevrolet Impala or similar) are, on average, 49% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.