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
$163
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$163
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 17 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Columbia from New Zealand departs from Christchurch and takes around 26h 20m.

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 $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about $14 for a 1h 56m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car hire from New York, which is about 298 km from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Avis and Budget, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Empire Coach Line, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 282 km and will cost you around $16. From New York, the ticket costs about $16 for a journey of 443 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Columbia, you’ll arrive at Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI), which is located 17 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Columbia from New Zealand departs from Christchurch and takes around 26h 20m.

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 $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about $14 for a 1h 56m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car hire from New York, which is about 298 km from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Avis and Budget, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Empire Coach Line, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 282 km and will cost you around $16. From New York, the ticket costs about $16 for a journey of 443 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city centre.

Airports near Columbia

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (759 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,469 reviews)
British Airways
Good (3,801 reviews)
Air France
Good (893 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,643 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,396 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (1,993 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,470 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (4,668 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Good (782 reviews)
Finnair
Good (941 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (740 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,054 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (4,650 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (776 reviews)
LOT
Good (652 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (380 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,622 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (148 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (656 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

Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$201+
The Westin Baltimore Washington Airport - Bwi
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$184+
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
$204+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Baltimore Air
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$129+
Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Bwi Airport Baltimore
Good (6.1, Good reviews)
$97+

Hiring a car in Columbia

Expect to pay $1.50 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 $17.97 and $23.96. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Intermediate (Class Intermediate SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Ford Fiesta or similar) is, on average, 58% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $1.50 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 $17.97 and $23.96. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Intermediate (Class Intermediate SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Ford Fiesta or similar) is, on average, 58% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.