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. Consider staying at least one whole day in Columbia to see all of its attractions.

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
£82
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
£82
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 the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 15h 35m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbia. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 27m and costs around £4 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about £13 for a 1h 49m 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 Budget and Avis, 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 282 km and will cost you around £10. From New York, the ticket costs about £14 for a journey of 426 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 the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 15h 35m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbia. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 27m and costs around £4 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about £13 for a 1h 49m 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 Budget and Avis, 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 282 km and will cost you around £10. From New York, the ticket costs about £14 for a journey of 426 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city centre.

Airports near Columbia

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (848 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,445 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,597 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,546 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,930 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,124 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,480 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,718 reviews)
Finnair
Good (879 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (833 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (835 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,511 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (707 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (487 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,609 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (180 reviews)
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Where to stay in popular areas of Columbia

Most booked hotels in Columbia

DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
£128+
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£95+
Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£127+
Hampton Inn Columbia, MD
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
£99+
Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore, An IHG Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
£95+
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
£134+

Hiring a car in Columbia

Expect to pay £0.83 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 £9.89 and £13.19. 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 £0.83 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 £9.89 and £13.19. 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.