How much is the train ticket from Washington to Columbia?

The cheapest train tickets from Washington to Columbia start from $72. The average price for this train route is around $106. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Washington to Columbia?

The average train ride duration from Washington to Columbia is 10h 37m, covering a distance of 406 miles (654 km). The quickest train can get you there in 10h 37m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the Washington to Columbia route?

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

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Washington to Columbia?

The earliest train departs from Washington to Columbia at 1:48pm. And the latest train departs at 1:48pm.

Train Washington to Columbia from $68 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Washington to Columbia on January 31
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	1:48pm	Union Station	10h 37m	12:25am	Columbia, SC	CheapestFastest
	Train	1:48pm	Union Station	10h 37m	12:25am	Columbia, SC	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Columbia on February 1
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	1:48pm	Union Station	10h 37m	12:25am	Columbia, SC	CheapestFastest
	Train	1:48pm	Union Station	10h 37m	12:25am	Columbia, SC	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Columbia on February 2
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	1:48pm	Union Station	10h 37m	12:25am	Columbia, SC	CheapestFastest
	Train	1:48pm	Union Station	10h 37m	12:25am	Columbia, SC	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Columbia on February 4
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	1:48pm	Union Station	10h 37m	12:25am	Columbia, SC	CheapestFastest
	Train	1:48pm	Union Station	10h 37m	12:25am	Columbia, SC	No tags

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

Compare 2 ways to go 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 $110, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day

9h 29mAverage Duration

407 milesDistance

16kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$110 - $110	Average Duration9h 29m	CO₂ emissions 16kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$72 - $236	Average Duration10h 37m	CO₂ emissions 59kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,752 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5752 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $72

US train companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

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

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

How much is the train ticket from Washington to Columbia?
The cheapest train tickets from Washington to Columbia start from $72. The average price for this train route is around $106. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Washington to Columbia?
The average train ride duration from Washington to Columbia is 10h 37m, covering a distance of 406 miles (654 km). The quickest train can get you there in 10h 37m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Washington to Columbia route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 1 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Washington to Columbia?
The earliest train departs from Washington to Columbia at 1:48pm. And the latest train departs at 1:48pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

01/27

No data

01/28

$226

Today

$152

01/30

$123

01/31

$123

02/01

$123

02/02

$123

02/03

No data

The cheapest trip from Washington, DC, US to Columbia, SC was searched and found on Jan 30, 2026 with a price of $123

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 $123 to $480 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 $123 which is on 2026-01-30.

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

The Train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel Time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel Time9h 29m	Avg Price$110	Daily Departures1
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel Time10h 37m	Avg Price$106	Daily Departures1

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 $106 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $72. 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!