How much does a cheap train ticket from Columbia to Washington cost?

The average train ticket price from Columbia to Washington is $153. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Columbia to Washington is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from Columbia to Washington?

A train trip between Columbia and Washington is around 10h 50m, although the fastest train will take about 10h 50m. This is the time it takes to travel the 652 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Columbia and Washington?

The number of trains from Columbia to Washington can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there is 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Columbia to Washington by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Columbia to Washington?

When taking the train from Columbia to Washington, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train Columbia to Washington from $98 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Columbia to Washington on November 17
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	4:22am	Columbia, SC	10h 50m	3:12pm	Union Station	CheapestFastest
	Train	4:22am	Columbia, SC	10h 50m	3:12pm	Union Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Monday at 1:40 AM EST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Columbia to Washington

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Washington. The journey takes about 9 hours 30 minutes, and with fares starting at just $158, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day

9h 30mAverage Duration

656 kmDistance

16kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$158 - $158	Average Duration9h 30m	CO₂ emissions 16kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$103 - $339	Average Duration10h 50m	CO₂ emissions 59kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,586 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5586 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $103

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

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

How much does a cheap train ticket from Columbia to Washington cost?
The average train ticket price from Columbia to Washington is $153. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Columbia to Washington is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from Columbia to Washington?
A train trip between Columbia and Washington is around 10h 50m, although the fastest train will take about 10h 50m. This is the time it takes to travel the 652 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between Columbia and Washington?
The number of trains from Columbia to Washington can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there is 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Columbia to Washington by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Columbia to Washington?
When taking the train from Columbia to Washington, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

11-13

$177

11-14

$177

Today

$177

11-16

$177

11-17

$177

11-18

$146

11-19

$118

11-20

$98

The cheapest trip from Columbia, SC to Washington, DC, US was searched and found on Nov 20, 2025 with a price of $98

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

You can expect to pay from $98 to $849 for a train ticket from Columbia, SC to Washington, DC, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $98 which is on 2025-11-20.

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

The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel time9h 30m	Avg Price$158	Daily Departures2
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel time10h 50m	Avg Price$153	Daily Departures1

The best way to travel between Columbia, SC and Washington, DC, US is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $153 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $103. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Washington, DC, US, choose the train, as it will take you from Columbia, SC to Washington, DC, US in about 9h 30m —that's the fastest way to get there!