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.

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
$158
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$158
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 centre. The shortest flight to Columbia from Australia departs from Sydney and takes around 21h 03m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 27m and costs around $8 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $25 for a 1h 53m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car hire from New York, which is about 185 miles from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Avis and Thrifty, 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 $18. From New York, the ticket costs about $18 for a journey of 275 miles. Columbia’s bus station is located 3 miles from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Columbia, you’ll arrive at Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI), which is located 10 miles from the city centre. The shortest flight to Columbia from Australia departs from Sydney and takes around 21h 03m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 27m and costs around $8 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $25 for a 1h 53m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car hire from New York, which is about 185 miles from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Avis and Thrifty, 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 $18. From New York, the ticket costs about $18 for a journey of 275 miles. Columbia’s bus station is located 3 miles from the city centre.

Airports near Columbia

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (849 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,469 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,603 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,557 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,937 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,126 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,481 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,770 reviews)
Finnair
Good (879 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,166 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (913 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,545 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (710 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (495 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,605 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (181 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Columbia

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South and Extended Stay America Select Suites - Columbia - Gateway Drive.

Where to stay in popular areas of Columbia

Most booked hotels in Columbia

Live! Casino And Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
$331+
DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
$246+
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
$185+
Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$240+
Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore, An IHG Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$188+
DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Baltimore - BWI Airport
4 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$193+

Hiring a car in Columbia

Expect to pay $1.61 per litre in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $19.23 and $25.64. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Intermediate (Chevrolet Bolt EUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Ford Fiesta or similar) is, on average, 52% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $1.61 per litre in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $19.23 and $25.64. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Intermediate (Chevrolet Bolt EUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Ford Fiesta or similar) is, on average, 52% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.