- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Cheapest price on Oct 12
$122
Average ticket price on Oct 12
$122
Fastest journey on Oct 12
10 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Oct 12
10 h 50 m
Trains on Oct 12
1
Distance
651 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Columbia, SC to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC will cost around $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $122.
On Mon, Oct 12, we found 1 trains from Columbia, SC to Washington, DC, including 1 direct services.
On Mon, Oct 12 the direct trains cover the 651 km distance in an average of 10 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 50 m .
On Mon, Oct 12 the slowest trains will take 10 h 50 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 Washington, DC run on average 1 times per day, taking around 10h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $74 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:13, the last at 14:48. The fastest train covers the 404 miles (651 km) distance in 10h 50m.
Distance 404 miles (651 km) |
Average train duration 10h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $74 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 10h 50m |
First train 4:13 AM |
Last train 2:48 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Columbia, SC to Washington, DC trains for today, Sunday, October 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:22 AM Columbia, SC | 10h50 | 7:12 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:52 AM Columbia, SC | 12h05 | 10:57 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is DC's signature street food, strongly tied to Ben's Chili Bowl.
Jumbo slice is an oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable DC nightlife food known for its huge foldable portions.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet tangy red sauce commonly served with fried chicken and wings at DC carryouts. It is a beloved local condiment with roots in Black DC food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbia, SC to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Columbia, SC to Washington, DC trains use the Columbia Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Columbia, SC and Washington, DC 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.
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Shake Shack, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Chopt Creative Salad Co., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Thunder Grill, Johnny Rockets, Jamba Juice, Ladurée Union Station, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need