Train from Washington, DC, US to Columbia, SC: Tickets & Timetables

Next train departures

Next departures from Washington to Columbia on 1 February
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
AmtrakTrain
Union Station
Columbia, SCCheapestFastest
AmtrakTrain
Union Station
Columbia, SCNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Wednesday at 3:50 PM EST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Washington to Columbia

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Columbia. The journey takes about 9 hours 29 minutes and with fares starting at just R 1 778, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day
9h 29mAverage duration
656 kmDistance
16kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceR 1 778 - R 1 778Average duration9h 29m
16kg CO₂e
Average priceR 1 165 - R 3 826Average duration10h 37m
59kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Washington, DC, US to Columbia, SC by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the train ticket from Washington to Columbia?

    The cheapest train tickets from Washington to Columbia start from R 1 165. The average price for this train route is around R 1 721. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from Washington to Columbia?

    The average train journey time from Washington to Columbia is 10h 37m, covering a distance of 654 km. The quickest train can get you there in 10h 37m and is operated by Amtrak.

  3. Which train operators serve the Washington to Columbia route?

    Several major train operators run on this route, with 1 trains available per day.

  4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Washington to Columbia?

    The earliest train from Washington to Columbia departs at 13:48. And the latest train departs at 13:48.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
28/01
R 3 678
29/01
R 2 474
Today
R 4 508
31/01
R 2 002
01/02
R 2 002
02/02
R 2 002
03/02
No data
04/02
R 2 002
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Washington, DC, US to Columbia, SC was searched and found on 31 Jan 2026 with a price of R 2 002

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Washington, DC, US to Columbia, SC as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 2 002 to R 7 811 for a train ticket from Washington, DC, US to Columbia, SC based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 2 002, which is on 2026-01-31.

What's the cheapest way to go from Washington, DC, US to Columbia, SC?

busbud logoThe Train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

The best way to travel between Washington, DC, US and Columbia, SC is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost R 1 721 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from R 1 165. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Columbia, SC, choose the train, as it will take you from Washington, DC, US to Columbia, SC in about 9h 29m – that's the fastest way to get there!

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