- Must visit
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
One of the top art museums in the South, with global collections, sculpture gardens, and strong rotating exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$182
Average price
$182
Fastest journey
8 h 21 m
Average duration
8 h 21 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
510 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Columbia, SC to Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA will cost around $182 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $182.
Of the 1 trains that leave Columbia, SC for Richmond, VA on Mon, Aug 03, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct trains cover the 510 km distance in an average of 8 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 21 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest trains will take 8 h 21 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.
40 Floridian
40 FloridianTrains from Columbia, SC to Richmond, VA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:13, the last at 17:07. The fastest train covers the 316 miles (510 km) distance in 8h 21m.
Distance 316 miles (510 km) |
Average train duration 8h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 8h 21m |
First train 4:13 AM |
Last train 5:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 21 days |
The table below shows live departures for Columbia, SC to Richmond, VA trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:22 AM Columbia, SC | 8h21 | 4:43 PM Richmond, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:22 AM Columbia, SC | 8h21 | 5:43 PM Richmond, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Richmond, VA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Richmond, VA trip today.
One of the top art museums in the South, with global collections, sculpture gardens, and strong rotating exhibitions.
Science museum in a grand former train station, offering live demos, labs, and a dome theater for all ages.
Campus museum noted for eclectic art, Egyptian antiquities, and thoughtful exhibitions in a landmark VCU setting.
Beloved riverside estate and park with gardens, trails, wildlife exhibits, and broad appeal for first-time visitors.
Nationally known urban park system for trails, rapids, forested escapes, and active adventure in the heart of the city.
Scenic park with river rapids access, suspension footbridge views, and one of Richmond's best outdoor walking loops.
Virginia country ham is salt-cured and aged for a deep, savory flavor. It is a classic Southern staple long associated with Virginia smokehouses and holiday tables.
Pimento cheese is a creamy spread of cheddar, pimentos, and mayonnaise. It is a beloved Southern snack in Richmond, often served with crackers or sandwiches.
Shrimp and grits pairs sautéed shrimp with creamy ground corn grits. It is a regional Southern favorite commonly found on Richmond brunch and dinner menus.
Popular Southern diner serving biscuits, pimento cheese, and hearty breakfasts. Lively, casual spot with a strong local following.
Historic casual restaurant known for Southern comfort food, Brunswick stew, and pies. Cozy, old-school atmosphere in the Church Hill area.
Refined New American restaurant featuring seasonal Virginia ingredients and polished service. Elegant yet approachable setting in Jackson Ward.
Moderate for U.S. city travel: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than NYC or DC, while transit is limited, so rideshares or parking can add costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts; small tips are appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbia, SC to Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Columbia, SC to Richmond, VA trains use the Columbia Station to Staples Mill Road Station station pair, with some services arriving at Main Street Station. Use this guide to compare Columbia, SC and Richmond, VA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Columbia Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Columbia Station.
Ticket office support is available at Columbia Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Columbia Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Columbia Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbia Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Staples Mill Road Station is 7 km from Richmond city centre. Public transport options include:
Staples Mill Road Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Staples Mill Road Station.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Staples Mill Road Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Staples Mill Road Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Staples Mill Road Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Staples Mill Road Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Staples Mill Road Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Main Street Station is 3 km from Richmond city centre. Public transport options include:
Main Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Roosevelt, Lemaire Restaurant
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Main Street Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Main Street Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Main Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Main Street Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Main Street Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Berkeley Hotel, Omni Richmond Hotel, The Commonwealth.
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