Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a train costs an average of $189.
Distance: 71 miles (115 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$189 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $18 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 23m Average total duration 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD:
A bus is $157 (€127) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD costing on average $189 (€153).
Other travel options to Columbia, MD take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 53m.
Tickets start at around $189 (€153) compared to roughly $18 (€14) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-171.18 (€-138.93). The journey takes 3h 53m versus 1h 23m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD
Trains from Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $189 (€153) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:57, the last at 18:37. The fastest train covers the 71 miles (115 km) distance in 3h 53m.
Distance 71 miles (115 km) |
Average train duration 3h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $189 (€153) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 3h 53m |
First train 7:57 AM |
Last train 6:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
FAQs: Trains from Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD 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 Columbia, MD, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD
Most Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD trains use the Harrisburg Station to BWI Airport Rail Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Harrisburg, PA and Columbia, MD train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Harrisburg, PA station do trains to Columbia, MD leave from?
Getting to Harrisburg Station from Harrisburg city centre
Harrisburg Station is 1 km from Harrisburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Harrisburg Station train station facilities and services
Harrisburg Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Millworks, Bricco
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Harrisburg Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Harrisburg Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Harrisburg Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Harrisburg Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Harrisburg Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hilton Harrisburg, Crowne Plaza Harrisburg-Hershey, Radisson Hotel Harrisburg.
Most popular train connections from Harrisburg, PA
More options for your journey from Harrisburg, PA to Columbia, MD
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