The cheapest and fastest trains from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA
Cheapest price
$270
Average price
$279
Fastest journey
15 h 38 m
Average duration
15 h 38 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
842 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA will cost around $279 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $270.
Of the 2 trains that leave Columbia, SC for Philadelphia, PA on Fri, May 29, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct trains cover the 842 km distance in an average of 15 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 15 h 38 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest trains will take 15 h 38 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:22 AM15h38Columbia, SC12:00 AMPhiladelphia, PA$2701One-way0 transfers
9:22 AM15h38Columbia, SC1:00 AMPhiladelphia, PA$2881One-way0 transfers
9:22 AM15h38Columbia, SC1:00 AMPhiladelphia, PA$2881One-way0 transfers
8:22 AM15h38Columbia, SC12:00 AMPhiladelphia, PA$2701One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $86. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $86, and a flight costs an average of $414.
Distance: 523 miles (842 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$275 Average price | $120 Average price Cheapest | $478 Average price | $135 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 19m Average total duration 12h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 1m Average total duration 13h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 2.5 - 5.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA:
A bus is $155 (€125) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $275 (€222).
A bus is $359 (€290) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $478 (€386).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 49m.
Bus takes on average 13h 31m.
Tickets start at around $275 (€222) compared to roughly $135 (€109) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-139.20 (€-112.43). The journey takes 12h 49m versus 9h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA train times
The table below shows live departures for Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA trains for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:22 AM Columbia, SC | 15h38 | 12:00 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:22 AM Columbia, SC | 15h38 | 1:00 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Journey information
Overview: Train from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA
Trains from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 12h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $109 (€88) but you can travel from only $86 (€69) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:13, the last at 11:10. The fastest train covers the 523 miles (842 km) distance in 15h 38m.
Distance 523 miles (842 km) |
Average train duration 12h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $109 (€88) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 15h 38m |
First train 4:13 AM |
Last train 11:10 AM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 2 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Columbia, SC and Philadelphia, PA from $86 (€69). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Philadelphia, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- Free
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has an enclosed waiting area.
- Bus: Several local bus lines available
- 5:15 AM - 10:30 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via 30th Street and Market Street.
- Bridgewater's Pub
- The Porch at 30th Street Station
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel
- Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel
- The Study at University City
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Main Hall: entrance, ticketing, and waiting area
- Upper Level: Amtrak platforms
- Lower Level: SEPTA Regional Rail platforms
- SEPTA: Market-Frankford Line
- Trolley: Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Columbia, SC
More options for your journey from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA
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