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 Boston and takes around 1h 28m.

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 Richmond, expect to pay about $18 for a 1h 53m 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 Sixt and Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Megabus, Bus and Greyhound. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 175 miles and will cost you around $12. From New York, the ticket costs about $18 for a journey of 270 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 Boston and takes around 1h 28m.

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 Richmond, expect to pay about $18 for a 1h 53m 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 Sixt and Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Megabus, Bus and Greyhound. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 175 miles and will cost you around $12. From New York, the ticket costs about $18 for a journey of 270 miles. Columbia’s bus station is located 3 miles from the city center.

Airports near Columbia

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (846 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,585 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,598 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,599 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,116 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,958 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,437 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,936 reviews)
Finnair
Good (863 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,171 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,724 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (513 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,588 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (726 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,355 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (186 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, 525 reviews)
$215+
DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 437 reviews)
$152+
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 501 reviews)
$123+
Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1163 reviews)
$144+
Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore, An IHG Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 775 reviews)
$126+
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8, 1430 reviews)
$150+

Renting a car in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia costs $69 per day, on average, or $207 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Compact (Buick Encore or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Spark or similar) are, on average, 56% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Columbia costs $69 per day, on average, or $207 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Compact (Buick Encore or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Spark or similar) are, on average, 56% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.